Merit and our Administrator Search

Our Board rules (3.1) clearly state that "the Board shall have the power to appoint, by majority vote of the Commissioners elected and serving, a county administrator to serve Ottawa County in accordance with governing law, provided that such administrator must serve at the will of a majority vote of the Commissioners elected and serving, and further provided that the administrator shall be a professional officer appointed and serving based on qualifications and experience and not on political affiliation (MCL 46.11)."

On multiple occasions during our Tuesday meeting, candidates’ assumed personal partisan leanings were cited as reasons to exclude them from advancing in our hiring process. I find this both concerning and in direct violation of our Board rules. Allowing political affiliation to influence our decision-making compromises the integrity of the selection process and jeopardizes our ability to appoint a county administrator who will effectively and impartially serve the needs of Ottawa County’s residents. We must adhere to the principle that our county administrator is selected based on merit, ensuring a professional and impartial administration as mandated.