Holland Township, MI (WGHN) – Chris Kleinjans has defeated incumbent Lucy Ebel, the District 2 commissioner who was recalled by voters after a successful petition drive gathered the required number of signatures to call a special election. Election results are to be certified by Monday, May 13.
“I am grateful and humbled that the hardworking people of this district have put their trust and confidence in me,” said Kleinjans. “The voters of District 2 made it clear that they reject the chaos, fiscal irresponsibility, and disrespect for county employees that exemplify Lucy Ebel and Ottawa Impact’s style of government, and I will work every day to turn that around.”
Kleinjans credits his success to the scores of volunteers who helped knock on doors, make phone calls, and display campaign signs at busy intersections. He noted that many of those volunteers were not District 2 residents themselves. “This election was a referendum on Ottawa Impact,” said Kleinjans. “We got buy-in from people throughout the county who had a vested interest in our success, because a win in May for responsible government is a harbinger for August and November.
“I’m looking forward to learning more about the great work this county does from the dedicated staff in our county offices,” added Kleinjans. “But I’m most interested in those areas I heard about from the people I met in District 2 while canvassing. Namely, our housing shortage and the condition of the road network. Personally, I hope to influence the board in adhering to an ethics policy in our decision making as well as advocate for funding a coordinator for Ottawa Food.”
Asked about his reaction to becoming a public servant, Kleinjans replied, “My family has always taken to heart the idea of service to family, country and community. I’m proud to carry on that tradition to this new level, and will do my utmost to represent everyone who calls the 2nd District home equitably.”
Kleinjans will be sworn in to office at the next Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, May 14, and will serve the remainder of this term, through December 31, 2024. He is also running in the November election for the subsequent four-year term that begins in January 2025.
“I look forward to working with many people of good will to restore responsible government to Ottawa County,” said Kleinjans.
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