Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – The following is a statement from Ottawa County Commissioner Chris Kleinjans regarding his employment with MSU extension. Kleinjans was fired from his position at MSU Extension after he defeated Lucy Ebel in the special recall election for District 2 County Commissioner in Ottawa County. Kleinjans served as a community nutrition instructor at the MSU extension.
Today I learned that the emergency injunction to reinstate me to my position at MSU Extension has been denied.
This is, of course, disappointing. But I’m confident that as the litigation process moves forward, a more complete picture will be revealed. That image will prove that my dismissal was simply an attempt by MSU Extension to avoid further pressure from certain members of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners.
“It’s hard to see my 13 years of work building systems and partnerships designed to support our most vulnerable residents fall to the wayside because of political bullying. But I am grateful for the voices of support that have come from inside and outside of that organization.I’m also grateful that I have been able to find a new position with an organization that allowed me flexibility while this process played out. I am looking forward to focusing on a new area of the nonprofit sector and continuing to do work that will change lives and elevate communities.
But today’s decision does make one thing clear regarding my reelection campaign.”
Without the 240 hours of PTO I had saved up at MSU Extension to use for campaigning, my ability to knock on doors and engage with 2nd District residents has been severely impacted. I knocked on over 1,000 doors in the last 5 weeks because I believe this to be the best way to show our community that I am listening and want to represent them and their concerns.
This summer has been stressful and I have asked for very little assistance, personally or politically, but this ruling has changed my circumstances. With limited time for knocking on doors, I need to rely on more costly methods like mailers and advertising. I have to ask for your support. If you have been considering donating but haven’t yet, now is the time to jump in.
If you’ve already donated and can throw in a little more, the help it will supply is critical. If you can’t donate, please consider volunteering, putting up a yard sign or simply talking with your circle to help spread the message that District 2 has space for everyone and I will continue to be a voice for you.
The discussion we’re having now isn’t just about the past 2 years, but how our community will look in 2050, and I want all of us to get there together.
Paid for with regulated funds by the Committee to Elect Christian Kleinjans, P.O. Box 131, West Olive, MI 49460
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