Ottawa County commissioners vote to remove "Where Freedom Rings" as county motto after heated public comments

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to remove the county motto "Where Freedom Rings," following a night of extensive public comment and debate that split residents and commissioners.

Chairperson Joe Tippels, who placed the item on the agenda, said he brought the question forward during a lull in other business and framed the vote as an effort to reduce division. "This is not a Gary Rosamond issue. This is the chair's agenda," Tippels said during discussion, explaining the timing. Commissioners voted by roll call; the motion to eliminate the motto passed and was recorded in the meeting minutes.

The decision capped more than an hour of public comment that drew 18 people to the podium and a lengthy online comment; speakers represented a wide range of views. Supporters of keeping the motto said it affirms foundational American principles; opponents said the phrase had been politicized and was causing…