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Ottawa County commissioners face public criticism over administrator search, debate role of political views
Summary
Public commenters and some commissioners raised concerns that perceived political affiliation influenced the county administrator selection process. The committee detailed the interview schedule and public events for finalists while several residents urged adherence to Board Rule 3.1 requiring appointments based on qualifications.
Public commenters told the Ottawa County Planning & Policy Committee on June 10 that commissioners risked violating the board—s hiring rule by discussing candidates— perceived political views.
Becky Patrick of Allendale, a public commenter, said comments made at a June 4 special meeting suggested commissioners were weighing political affiliation when narrowing applicants. She read statements attributed at that meeting to other commissioners and said two finalists withdrew within hours of those remarks. "Commissioner Wenzel... 'I'm explaining why we're not ready. We have, I think, more than 1, I think 3 Democrats,'" Patrick said, reading from her notes. "Commissioner Moss... '1 of the top 5 wanted internal equity audits for Ottawa County, and I don't think we need equity audits.'"
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