Frequently Asked Questions

What do the flags in your logo represent?

The flags are the symbol for “Bravo Zulu,” a naval symbol that means “well done.” It is a callback to my days serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and symbolizes my hopes for Ottawa County as well!

When do I get to vote for you?

You can vote for me in the Republican primary on August 6.

What areas of the county will you represent?

I am running in District 5, which includes:

Blendon Township
City of Hudsonville
Jamestown Charter Township
Zeeland Charter Township (part)

Not sure who represents you? You can find a full Ottawa County map on Organize Ottawa

Who else is running?

The Holland Sentinel is keeping a frequently updated list on who has filed to run in every election. You can find that list here.

Why did you previously endorse (current District 5 Commissioner) Joe Moss and Ottawa Impact?

My sitting county commissioner at the time would not visit my City Hall and meet with me as mayor or my city commissioners. I made numerous unanswered phone calls. As city leaders we wanted to understand some decisions by the county better, particularly in regard to COVID enforcement. Nothing adversarial, just wanted to better understand the county’s role and authority better. No effort made to get back to me as Hudsonville’s Mayor.

When Joe Moss showed up, he was very polished, with great material, advocating himself as an honest alternative. He promised us he was a responsive and trustworthy leader. At the moment he and his PAC Ottawa Impact seemed credible and appropriate. His material and online material was very polished and thoughtful, all the right glitz and buzz words, “freedom, faith, family.”

Shortly after the election it quickly was apparent that I was wrong. He immediately contacted me telling who the city could hire (no one with past Democrat affiliation), and he required all county republican delegates take his special oath of allegiance (I refused).

There were immediate trust violations by him in not meeting the intent of the Open Meetings Act by holding secret meetings. Subsequently, he fired a most capable apolitical professional as our County Administrator at a $250,000 severance and hired an unqualified politician as pure political patronage. The county has spun out of control since. Millions squandered, morale destroy, credibility lost.

I’m sorry. I now need to be part of the fix.

What are your thoughts on abortion?

First, abortion is not a county government issue. The right to an abortion was enshrined by the Michigan constitution by voters in 2022.

That said, I am pro life. I have donated to pro-life causes several times over the years and attended their banquets. My wife is a devout Roman Catholic. I do not support any government funding of Planned Parenthood. Abortion is unnecessary. The challenge we have now is how can we change state law that currently allows abortion to full term.

What's this I hear about you being a freemason?

I’m in good company: Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford were all masons.

All the hospitals in our frontier were founded by masons. These men lived their faith. They believed in charity and good governance.

Certainly you have heard of Shriners? All Freemasons.

I’m Scottish Rite. We fully fund children needing professional help with speech impediments.

I’m a 5th generation Freemason. My forefathers built the first churches, schools, and hospitals in SE Minnesota, and I’m proud of that heritage.

I was raised to be a Master Freemason in 1990 in an Alaskan fishing village after two years of study.

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