(Grand Haven, MI) — Ottawa Integrity PAC supports Adeline Hambley in her legal action against seven Ottawa Impact-backed Ottawa County commissioners.
Press Release from Ottawa Integrity PAC :
The head health officer of Ottawa County filed a lawsuit in Ottawa County Circuit Court on February 13 against the County and individually against seven newly elected commissioners involved in her demotion to interim director of the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. In the Complaint, Hambley also states that commissioners and newly hired County Administrator John Gibbs interfered with her ability to do her job.
Hambley has worked for Ottawa County for more than 18 years. She was selected by the former Board of Commissioners and approved by the State of Michigan for the top health officer position in 2022 because of her experience, qualifications and exemplary work for OCDPH. She was demoted during a January 3 commission meeting when the county’s administrator and legal counsel were also replaced in an unexpected vote.
Also at the January 3 meeting, the commission voted to hire Nathanial Kelly to replace Hambley. To date, Kelly’s qualifications have not been submitted to the State of Michigan for approval, which is required by state law. We believe that the attempted hire of Kelly is politically motivated, violates standard hiring procedures and endangers the public health of all citizens of Ottawa County by putting forth an inexperienced and unqualified candidate for such a crucial role.
Hambly should be allowed to perform her duties unhindered by political actors. The health of Ottawa County residents depends upon it. Ottawa County’s fiscal health is also at stake as taxpayers foot the bills for lawsuits arising from commissioners’ flagrant disregard of normal governing procedures. Kallman Legal Group, hand-picked by Ottawa Impact and lacking experience representing county government, will benefit as they bill for their legal defense of the Ottawa-Impact-backed majority’s actions.
Ottawa Integrity PAC is a nonpartisan political action committee founded under the laws of the State of Michigan to foster democracy and democratic solutions; promote honesty, transparency and insight; preserve the dignity of individuals and families; and protect the natural resources of Ottawa County.
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