Report: Recall efforts against Zylstra, Bergman suspended
OTTAWA COUNTY — Efforts to recall Ottawa County Commissioners Doug Zylstra and Roger Bergman have been suspended, according to a report from FOX 17.
The station spoke with Allendale Township resident David Morren, who led both recall efforts. He said he's no longer collecting signatures.
More: Bergman, Zylstra face recall over 'child innocence' vote
Zylstra, the board’s lone Democrat, represents District 3, which includes the city of Holland. Bergman, the only Republican incumbent to survive an Ottawa Impact challenger in 2022, represents District 10, which includes Grand Haven, Ferrysburg and parts of Spring Lake Township.
Zylstra, noting he hasn't heard personally whether the recall effort has been suspended, provided a statement to The Sentinel on Wednesday.
“I’m grateful for the support of city of Holland residents who understood from the beginning that the recall petition was based upon a resolution that was vague and lacking in clear guidance for staff,” he wrote.
“With a potential recall election no longer pending, I look forward to continue working to represent District 3 residents in the following months to obtain positive outcomes in all our pressing issues, and especially those concerning our public health department."
Bergman said Wednesday he's thankful for the support of his constituents.
“I’m thankful for the many citizens in the (my) district who continue to support me,” Bergman told The Sentinel. “I know that many of these folks encouraged their friends and neighbors to not sign the petition as it came around.”
The commissioner plans to step down in 2025 either way, instead endorsing former Grand Haven councilmember Josh Brugger.
Thomas Morren, of Spring Lake, and Rosalie Austin, of Holland, filed duplicate language targeting Bergman and Zylstra, respectively, on Sept. 1. Language for both petitions was approved Sept. 12.
Petitions cited “no” votes on the board’s “Resolution to Protect Childhood Innocence” as the reason for the recall. That resolution passed 9-2 in July, with Zylstra and Bergman the two dissenting votes. It prevents the county from using resources for "activities, programs, events, content or institutions which support, normalize or encourage the sexualization of children and youth."
Zylstra opposed the resolution because, he said, it lacked specificity.
"In the end, I don't believe we can have a resolution without a policy that gives staff clear guidance on what is and isn't specifically recommended under the resolution," he wrote on his campaign website.
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Prior to his vote, Bergman said the resolution didn't address things like poverty, hunger and homelessness, which also harm childhood innocence.
"This resolution is wrong on so many fronts," he said. "For you to vote 'yes' is a slap in the face to parents who don't share your beliefs."
Still, one Ottawa County commissioner will face recall in a special May 7 election. Lucy Ebel of District 2 will face Democrat Chris Kleinjans, with the winner serving for the remainder of 2024.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Report: Recall efforts against Zylstra, Bergman suspended
