We're live, fam, at the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meeting tonight. I'll be your tweetcast host as the eyes in the sky, as @HollandSentinel's @SentinelMitch is on scene for what is expected to be a long, exhaustive meeting.
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch We are starting with public comment and there are 100+ signed up. I'll tweet #s as best I can and city of residence.
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch Up first Park Township: The creator of "Inventing America," a well-known documentary. He's talking about the Constitution and being a country of laws, not of men.
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch "The Constitution is clear about the Supreme Court interpreting the laws of the land, including articles 1 and 2 of the Bill or Rights."
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch "Don't play Supreme Court and stick to the job you're supposed to do."
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch #2 Allendale Twp: She supports the "constitutional county" resolution before the board tonight. (*For background: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch "Our rights are under attack by dark forces," she says.
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch She says these "dark forces" are trying to "control the people."
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch She's referencing the "8 Steps to Communism," but doesn't say why or how that's happening here.
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch #3 Holland: A MSU shooting survivor describing her harrowing experience hiding from the gunman who killed 3 of her classmates.
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch She supports gun safety bills. "These laws are constitutional. These laws save lives. There's no doubt in my mind that if Ottawa County becomes a constitutional county, it will be used to veto these laws."
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch "I've already lost 1 home to gun violence. Don't allow it to become 2."
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch #4 Spring Lake Twp: He's talking about 60% of the population grapples with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and how it too frequently gets tied to gun violence.
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch "Don't be so quick to think this is a mental health problem."
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch "If you want to serve this community and a friend, be a supporter of mental health services and all those affected."
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch #5 Holland Twp: She's talking about mental health concerns and guns. Why in God's name would you want to keep guns in the hands of people who are a threat to themselves or others?
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch #6 Holland: She's pointing out that OI is "jumping over" the First Amendment where it explicitly prohibits the U.S. establishing a national religion.
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch I look forward to you giving support to all amendments as much as you give the Second. "Then we all will know how much of a hypocrite you really are."
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch #7 Spring Lake Twp: She is frustrated and disappointed of the actions of OI's "self-proclaimed mandate."
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch "We're not OK with your ultraconservative Christian beliefs forced upon us. ... It embarrasses me and Ottawa County."
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch #8 Grand Haven: She's confused how adopting the resolution is any different than taking the oath of office. "Mr. Moss, you always seem to have a hidden intent behind what you do. You once again are creating fear and employees."
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch #9 Holland: Your conduct has been a case study in irresponsible gov't, amazing lack of transparency and neglect on representing those you claim to represent.
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch Your style is more of a dictatorship. He's asking them to go back to a campaign promise of transparency.
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch #10 Georgetown Twp: She is on a local board there, saying she understands the weight of responsibility elected officials have of their oaths and to the public.
@HollandSentinel @SentinelMitch She's also talking about errors she is interpreting in the resolution before the board. She's pointing out that the resolution claims God-given rights, which she says "God" only appears twice in the constitution, neither in this context.
Background: pewresearch.org/short-reads/20….
#11 Spring Lake: It's lazy thing to think you can play fantasy juris prudence at the county level where you can play free for all for guns. He says they should do the legal route and get it on the ballot or through advocating at the legislative.
Third option comes through the courts. If you circumvent the courts, "I know your buddies at Kallman Group get a kickback, but it will cost us."
He's referencing Kallman Legal Group, the new corporate counsel.
#12 is the ED of Out on the Lakeshore talking about Chair Joe Moss delaying releasing county-promised funds until this week. (*Background: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…)
"You say you speak about the parents of Ottawa County. What about these parents? What about these children? They are still a part of our community."
#13 Fillmore Twp: She wants to hear the sheriff's report that will be featured today. She's advocating for more funding for veterans.
That said, she doesn't support the constitutional county resolution. "Ottawa County. Where ALL belong."
#14 Grand Haven: He's talking about the lies about the "stolen election." On the constitutional county measure, "Ottawa County Republicans want to pass this Hail Mary pass to keep control."
"It's not just about party, but representing all of the community and not bulldozing political rights of others."
"I understand how we all think we're fighting a righteous war, but of self-governance isn't won by defeating the people with desperate, radical political plays ... but by integrity."
#15 Hudsonville: "There's more that unites us than divides us. Your proposal goes too far. You're assuming the role which laws the state passes are going to be constitutional. You don't have that power. That's for the courts. It's known as judicial review."
She's citing several founding fathers, including Madison who said constitutional interpretation should be left to independent judges, not the political process.
#16 Holland Twp: She says approving the resolution will infringe on her rights to life, liberty and happiness by "pushing guns in the hands of every Tom, Dick and Harry."
"The freedom of speech you want is really for you and yours to spread disinformation. ... You will do what you will do, but God will judge your actions. An end goal will never justify the means. If you can't get the goal without acting dishonorably, you have the wrong goal."
#17 Crockery Twp: She supports both resolutions "with both my heart. Please pass them." (*Short and sweet)
#18 Wright Twp: An OI supporter. "I love our Constitution. To not support it ... we're just supporting our Constitution." (*Note: All elected officials take an oath when being sworn in to uphold the constitution, so the resolution is redundant in many regards)
#19 Zeeland Twp: He's a CCL holder and belongs to a gun club. He is for gun rights. He supports concealed carry because it requires some basic training, which makes him feel more comfortable.
"I don't want any citizen crazier than me carrying a weapon. My constitutional freedoms are protected by the Constitution."
"Your fancy wording is one thing. Let's be honest about your agenda. It's not about freedom. ... I'm not a Democrat, but with politics nowadays, you might as well call me one."
"With your radical, extreme, corrupt agenda, you are losing support of people like me."
#20 Grand Haven: She's talking about 175 people in the community across the board of faiths or walks of life who live in Ottawa have signed a statement saying the resolution would damage the community.
She's talking about the recent "red flag laws" recently passed by the Democrat-controlled state Legislature. "We cannot condone any resolution that allows law officers to decide which laws are and are not constitutional."
(*Background: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…)
#21 Georgetown Twp: He's talking about the "manufactured outrage" the media creates to "make people scared."
He says "medical error" the No. 3 cause of death in the U.S. (*According to the @CDCgov, it's actually COVID-19, after heart disease and cancer. 4 is accidents)
@CDCgov (*Background: cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/l…)
@CDCgov #22 Grand Haven: She's concerned that the resolution will imperil law enforcement officers and will potentially undermine democracy.
@CDCgov "It is our duty to find balance between our individual rights and public safety." She is citing the recent story where a 2yo died after finding an unstored handgun in a the couch cushions.
@CDCgov #23 Spring Lake Twp: She is speculating Moss and Vice Chair Sylvia Rhodea and the motives. She's citing the Jan. 31 meeting where Moss said "correcting" a resolution hiring the county health officer was a simple correcting of the record.
@CDCgov (*That turned out not to be the case and immediately was used to dismiss the health officer's lawsuit against the board, which is ongoing.)
@CDCgov (*Background: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/cou…)
@CDCgov "Please be transparent of your motive, Joe."
@CDCgov #24 Port Sheldon Twp: Hindsight is 20/20. Reflection is a component of hindsight. He's asking OI to truly reflect on their actions.
@CDCgov He says they are victim of "group think," the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility.
@CDCgov "Vote your conscience, not your contract with Joe Moss and Ottawa Impact." (*He's referencing how OI requires its members to sign a contract to vote specific ways and support certain stances.)
@CDCgov (*Background: ottawaimpact.com/contract-with-…)
@CDCgov #25 Georgetown Twp: A former gov't and history teacher, also voted teacher of the year ... twice.
@CDCgov He's addressing Moss as making grievous mistakes. He's saying the resolution references life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. "That's not the Constitution. That's the Declaration of Independence."
@CDCgov "God-given" rights isn't in the Constitution, "it says creator."
@CDCgov He's saying the founders are "turning over in their graves."
@CDCgov "Freedom is great, but here in Ottawa County, we're turning a democracy into a theocracy."
@CDCgov #26 Spring Lake: He's talking about being a urologist and treating a young man in the ER with a wound that affected the area he treats.
@CDCgov "I found out later it was the third time he was the victim of gun violence. You know it's bad when a urologist gets involved."
@CDCgov "Gun violence is a complicated issue. I just don't think this constitutional county business is going to help. Gun violence is costing millions of dollars in health care."
@CDCgov #27 Grand Haven: He's talking about his parents, who he loves, but are conservative where he is progressive. "We always find common ground. We aren't too different after all."
@CDCgov "We are so concerned about the youth turning out to vote, but can you really blame them?" He's citing a survey of youth saying the majority say the county is on the wrong track. (*Trying to track down source...)
@CDCgov #28 Jamestown Twp: He is citing the "Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates," a book written by Matthew Trewhella.
@CDCgov Trewhella spoke to the count GOP recently, urging commissioners that "we do not have the right to be slaves or subjugated to the laws of man," only to the word of God.
@CDCgov He's now talking about Nazi Germany and somehow by not passing the redundant resolution, that will lead us down a slippery slope.
@CDCgov #29 Robinson Twp: Former pediatrician talking about gun violence being the No. 1 cause of death of children in the U.S.
(*She's right: nejm.org/doi/full/10.10…)
"The United States has more guns per person than any other country in the world. 100 guns per person. No one has more guns than we do. If having more guns makes us safer, than why do we have more deaths?"
#30 Holland Twp: Strongly objects to the constitutional county resolution. "It's intention appears to be rooted on the "Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates."
Local officials do not claim any control in interpreting constitutionality, she says.
(*In case anyone wants to listen to Trewhella speak, here's his recent presentation. It's about 50 minutes: drive.google.com/file/d/1hs_ze6…)
#31 Hudsonville: She's saying acts of violence should not be used to infringe on Second Amendment rights.
"It is crucial that we keep this right."
She's talking about a comprehensive survey of gun owners, but didn't say where, when or what organization conducted it.
(*She's taking VERY fast.)
(*PSA: I'm watching remotely so I can pause occasionally to catch up in the comments and to mind my 3 kids, so I am tracking about 15 minutes behind. That likely will lengthen as we go on, as I'm told there are now 116 signed up. 🤪)
#32 Joel Studebaker, former county GOP chair, now chief of staff for MIGOP chair Kristina Karamo. (*Background: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…)
The No. 1 killer of children is abortion, he says.
He's talking about how legislators in Lansing are not abiding by the Constitution. He says the resolution instructs the sheriffs to "stand down."
He's mentioning Marlena Pavlos-Hackney, a restaurant owner in Allegan County (*not Ottawa) who refused to follow state COVID shutdown orders during the pandemic. She ultimately was arrested and the business shut down. (*Background: hollandsentinel.com/story/business…)
"We have neutered the Constitution."
"The power lies with We the People over all aspects of government." (*Typically, this has been interpreted through representative government, not NOT following laws.)
(*Background: pbs.org/tpt/constituti…)
#33 Holland Twp: She is citing a lack of responsible gov't since the new commissioners came into office, says they are making "rookie mistakes."
She's talking about how Kallman Legal Group filed in the incorrect court and asked for an appeal of the Adeline Hambley lawsuit before a lower court trial. (*Background: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…)
"Let's not waste time and money on this."
#34 Tallmadge Twp: She supports the resolution. "These rights are for all."
(*An important note in the resolution is it “strongly encourages the board to continuously act in a constitutional manner” and says the board will not authorize or appropriate any funds or resources....
(*... “for the purpose of enforcing any statute, law, rule, order or regulation that restricts the rights of any law-abiding citizen.”)
(*We are taking a 10-minute recess. Only 80-plus comments to go!)
And we're back with #35 Grand Haven Twp: Supports the resolution. "This is urgently needed," citing the state's reg-flag laws. (*To clarify, it's normal practice for people, groups or entities to sue over the constitutionality of laws.)
#36 Georgetown Twp: Fully supports the resolution. She says the statements found in Moss' self-created "news" site, Simply American, were insightful. (*It's a blog that features pro-OI anonymous writers.)
Now she's talking about the sexualization of children. (*I wrote about this recently, too: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…)
#37 Donna Mooney, a board of education member in Jenison: "Upholding the Constitution is not radical or extreme."
She's citing her freedom of speech and is insinuating that people have harassed her. (*For background, she recently said at a meeting that people who don't like the current board should move. ...
(*... She also held up Native American reservations as an example of people with similar values choosing to gather together, which isn't how reservations came about.)
#38 Holland: He's talking about transparency and OI's campaign claim to make information available to the public by default. "We see mounting evidence that they use their positions to prevent that from happening."
"When the public asks questions, we met with silence. When certain commissioners ask questions, they are told to be quiet. ... Where is the transparency in muzzling our elected officials?"
"The question is before us is why."
"Ottawa Impact desires to take and consolidate power without remorse." He's citing a tweet from Moss.
(*Found it) 
#39 Port Sheldon Twp: She says the resolution is for "self-serving purposes that are basically are not enforceable." "I am seeing a pattern, a standard method of Ottawa Impact. ... This resolution had nothing to do with our freedoms being compromised....
"... In fact, the Constitution has always guaranteed these rights with added safeguards. It's about power and control and circumventing the law to address your personal agenda."
"Ottawa Impact claims to defend the Constitution, yet does the opposite."
"I do not need or want your moral compass. Do the job you were elected to do."
#40 Park Twp: She says she supports "the resolution," although it sounds like she means the second one honoring the military service.
(*Ope, OK, she is an OI supporter. Good to know!)
#42 Allendale Twp: "Who doesn't love the Constitution? That's not really the issue before us. So the question is what's really going on here?"
"Board leadership has been quite vocal that a local leader has the power alone to decide which laws apply in Ottawa County."
"Members of the board, they are trying to play you. They will make you complicit in their hunger for power."
#43 Zeeland: He's talking about the hypocrisy of a vote to support the resolution to guarantee First Amendment rights, when Moss championed removing commissioners' individual comments.
(*Background: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…)
#44 Holland: "I come with questions. First, wouldn't the resolution create controversy and confusion? It would create a lot of uncertainty."
"How has the board of commissioners assess cost?" He's talking about employees and businesses not being cleared on what laws to follow. "It seems this would be a significant financial burden on our county."
#45 Spring Lake Twp: He is grateful for Ottawa Impact challenging the "nationalist socialism in this country and county." "The seek to destroy the country."
He's tying this into equity and the elimination of the DEI office. (*Background: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…)
He's talking about how divorce was rare decades ago. (*That's because it wasn't until the 1960s when woman won the right to open a bank account, but the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 allowed them to defy their husbands.)
(*Background: forbes.com/advisor/bankin….)
#46 Grand Haven: Says she has attended a lot of municipal meetings and that there always has been a lot of respect. She's talking about "an atmosphere in the room of hatred, fear and anger."
Says some attendees are displaying firearms. "Can you run county government without creating so much fear?"
#47 Grand Haven: "You have disrupted much and accomplished advancing an agenda that has nothing to do with the work of a county commission."
"For 220 years, we have a system that has a judiciary interpreting the Constitution. You can stand down. We don't need you to interpret the Constitution for us. Please vote no and stop all this nonsense and start doing your jobs."
#48 Jenison, a frequent commenter. He says the Lansing officials and media are trying to take guns away from people.
(*PSA: Michigan's so-called "red-flag law" will allow family members, police, mental health professionals, roommates and former dating partners to petition a judge to remove firearms from those they believe pose an imminent threat to themselves or others.)
Ah, now he's tying it into his normal topic of COVID-19, saying people were "sent to camps" for their vaccines. (*This is not an accurate statement: wral.com/story/fact-che…)
Up next, Ferryburg: She's satirically saying that if the resolution passed, she will have more rights, such as being crippled by polio like her friend.
"Let's not forget our right to be shredded by an AR-15. However, we must not have a right to an abortion under any circumstances, because we are the moral authority to judge."
#51 Port Sheldon: He opposes the constitutional county resolution. "You are granting yourselves the power to have to have the final say over our laws."
#52 Georgetown Twp: Thanking the commissioners of reminding everyone that it's important to stay involved in gov't. "You're messing with our kids. ... You guys are not doing a good job."
#53 Georgetown Twp, Kim Nagy of the Ottawa Dems. Opposes the resolution, saying, "You do not have that power."
She is sharing her story of how her ex-husband died by suicide after suffering mental health problems. "I still shake" when she thinks of the gun found in his freezer after he died, a home her children visited every other weekend.
#55 Holland Twp: He supports the resolution. He's talking about how hard he works and says he is exhausted. (*I'm not sure what he's talking about now.)
#56 Holland Twp: Addressing Moss, "You've been attempting to gaslight us. You are about as subtle as a drag queen at a Pride parade."
She's talking about the irony that the resolution talks about the state and U.S. Constitution will be upheld, where the Constitution says laws should be reviewed by the judiciary.
But, as David Kallman says, "the language is what the language is." (*A sly reference to Kallman's legal defense argument in the Hambley hearing.)
(*Background: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…)
Up next, Park Twp: Wants to know why the resolution is necessary. She says there is still a grudge over the mask mandate issues 3 years ago.
"So what exactly is this reform we need? So far, I've seen you take a stellar county with a AAA bond rating and turn it into a dumpster fire."
"This is purely theater. Smoke and mirrors. A temper tantrum. A way to keep your mask anger relevant, so you can continue shoveling money into your friends' pockets."
#58 Georgetown Twp, a GOP precinct delegate. He's quoting George Washington. (*This is not entirely accurate: mountvernon.org/library/digita…)
Halfway through!
Next, #59 Grand Haven: He's talking about dropping his daughter off at school and wondering if he will see her again, referencing gun violence.
Next, #59 Grand Haven: He's talking about dropping his daughter off at school and wondering if he will see her again, referencing gun violence.
He was extremely eloquent and I'll grab a clip of it and post at the end.
#60 He says the vast majority of gun crimes using illegal firearms and not being committed by legal gun owners. (*This is a muddled statistic being asserted as fact by several commenters because gun laws vary state to state and federal data isn't kept.)
(*Background: politifact.com/factchecks/201…)
#61 Grand Haven Twp: She says Roger Belknap, her commissioner, does not respond to her inquiries. She's calling the resolution "vague" and asks "which rights require protection?"
#63 Zeeland (sometimes people leave before their turn): She says the resolution takes away the freedom of others. "It is not constitutional and not what it seems. It's a grave distortion. It's not a law or ordinance, but a belief."
#64 Grand Haven: "The left is actively opposed to the Constitution."
He made some weird joke about suffering from dysphoria, but now he no longer identifies as a doctor, so thankfully he didn't take any medication or have any surgery (*?)
#65 Georgetown Twp, another GOP precinct delegate. He's the one who presented the original Second Amendment resolution proposal to Moss and the board.
He says the "corrupt media" and "paid political agitators" make this resolution necessary "in the face of tyranny."
We're up 119 signed up now!
#66 Grand Haven: Local gov'ts are creatures of the state.
He's citing Dillon's Rule, the principal that local government only exercises (1) powers expressly granted by the state, (2) powers necessarily and fairly implied from the grant of power, and (3) powers crucial to the existence of local government.
(*Background: mml.org/pdf/charter_re…)
"This measure is out of order."
#67, talking about already facing 2 lawsuits and not complying with Freedom of Information Act requests.
(*Got some background on that, too: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…)
"I'm not interested in more governance, in another layer of bureaucracy. ... Your overreach is astounding and hopefully short-lived."
#70 Crockery Twp, another precinct delegate, an attorney who fought against the COVID lockdown.
(*This tends to be a frequent talking point going back to the pandemic. Just pointing out all mask-related mandates expired in January 2022.)
He's now talking about the previous commission not fighting the previous health mandates. (*This was litigated in courts and held up on appeals. Background: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/cou…)
Ope, we found commenter #69, Park Twp!
She supports diversity and human rights. "Do you also affirm the sacred dignity of every person in Ottawa County?" She doesn't support the constitutional county resolution.
She supports diversity and human rights. "Do you also affirm the sacred dignity of every person in Ottawa County?" She doesn't support the constitutional county resolution.
"I reject the claim that any parent gets to limit the choices of other children."
(*There's a recess, but Imma fast forward to catch up a bit)
#71 Holland: "Shall not be infringed. It's pretty clear. Not sure why some don't get it."
She's talking about the 3 branches of the gov't. (*Just gonna point out that the big sticking point here is the resolution potentially is a usurping of the judiciary, which is one of those 3 branches.)
#72 Chester Twp, he's talking about Chairman Mao killing millions of his own people (*he is providing no context for this; he's a frequent commenter who speaks of a holy war and that the board is fighting "forces of darkness.")
He's basically saying all progressives are communists. (*I feel like I can factually assert that is not true.)
#73 Ferrysburg: "I'm very disappointed in the leadership of this board. I don't feel confident that you will vote the will of the people." She's suggesting that it be on the ballot in 2024 to truly test that.
#76 Holland Twp: She's saying all commissioners said all the commissioners swore an oath of office to uphold the state and federal constitutions.
She says the county's own website says the commissioners don't vote on things such as this, which has subsequently been removed. (*Can't verify) "This is yet another example of Ottawa Impact granting itself authority it was not given."
#77 Grand Haven: "If you truly respect the constitution and swear to abide by, it specifies a system ... interpreted by the courts. These checks and balances are key to a nation of laws."
"Your resolution is political theater. It has no legal basis. ... You place yourselves in the role to decide what legitimate law is and and ignore laws you don't like."
#78 Spring Lake: Opposed to the resolution. "I do not want our deputies at odds with state troopers or local law enforcement." She is talking about women victims of domestic abuse.
(*More than 11,000 women in the United States were killed with a gun between 2015 and 2019, according to the CDC: americanprogress.org/article/guns-a…)
"You are only a county because the state says so," referring to the state Constitution giving the county the very authority to govern.
#79 Holland: He's calling the resolution "misguided." "If you pass this ... you will be aiding and abetting future mass shootings of Ottawa County children."
Says it will limit sheriff's deputies the ability to intervene in instances of "misguided souls" who kill others.
"The blood of those children will be on your hands." (*Someone just shouted in the gallery, "Your welcome!")
#80 New Buffalo Twp: She supports the "God-endowed authorities of individuals to self-govern their inherent freedoms."
(*She lives in Berrien County. Thank goodness, I thought I didn't know a municipality in Ottawa!)
(*We'll probably see some dropping out) #82 Grand Haven, she is from the Momentum Center. "Anyone who would malign our work should come and see for themselves."
She's touting on people all having inherent worth and is promoting people to come together. She's talking about the center moving location in Grand Haven. (*The @ghtribune has a story: grandhaventribune.com/news/local/mom…)
@ghtribune #83 Allendale: Opposed to the resolution. "I am frightened and exhausted. I am embarrassed. Yet, here I am."
(*Got it! miottawa.org/Departments/BO…)
@ghtribune "This effort hints at sedition."
@ghtribune #84 Spring Lake: "I urge you again to walk the talk to support our well-being as a community." She is opposed to the resolution and is working with churches that are trying to fight gun violence through education.
@ghtribune #88 Georgetown Twp: Supports both resolutions and "that we need to go further." He says we "explicitly have a Christian constitution." (*This has been debated since 1787: heritage.org/political-proc…)
@ghtribune (*I don't know if I'm just tired, but he said the word "chicanery," and all I can think of a Key and Peele skit.)
@ghtribune "There's a document above the Constitution ... and that is the Bible."
@ghtribune #89 Georgetown Twp, another GOP precinct delegate. (*We've seen half a dozen tonight.)
@ghtribune She's talking about the monarchy that the original settlers escaped from England and says the state is overreaching. (*I'm not sure how that ties into a county adopting a constitutional county resolution.)
@ghtribune #90 (*but really #81?) Holland Twp, another frequent flyer at these meetings. Two words he wants to emphasize: "heritage" and "legacy." "Our nation is at war ... of good versus evil."
@ghtribune He says "the left" has "an ultimate goal to control us."
@ghtribune #91 Spring Lake Twp: "I guess I'm one of 'them,' referring to the previous commenter. "It's true," a man in the gallery said. "It's not," the speaker said.
@ghtribune She's also emphasizing that the constitutional resolution quotes the Declaration, not the Constitution. "I am not a constitutional expert, but clearly this board is not either. ... It's political grandstanding."
@ghtribune "It's not the county board's right which constitutional right overrides another."
@ghtribune (*Skipping ahead!) #95 Holland: An ordained minister of the Satanic Temple of West Michigan.
@ghtribune He's (*sarcastically) thanking Ottawa Impact for upholding the Constitution to uphold religious freedoms for all. "We are always pleased as satanists to see these values of governments at all levels."
@ghtribune As a sign of support the Satanic Temple of West Michigan would like to offer prayer service to open these meetings.
@ghtribune "We would also like to celebrate the holidays, as we are always looking for a place for our goat display to celebrate the satanic community."
@ghtribune "I am proud to know that Ottawa County will become a stronghold for satanists of all types."
@ghtribune "Hail Ottawa County and hail Satan."
@ghtribune #93 (*we're going back in time) Polkton Twp: "We are in America, but it's pretty civil here. We should celebrate the freedoms we have here."
@ghtribune He is saying 3-1 of the people giving public comment are opposed to the resolution. He said in his room, it was more of 2-1. (*I haven't kept a tally, but there definitely are more opposing comments than for the measure.)
@ghtribune (*He's done. I don't really know which "side" he was on?)
@ghtribune Up next, from Holland. She says she is bipolar and schizophrenic. She says she's been harassed (*she's not saying by who.)
@ghtribune (*I'm not sure what she's saying. It's very muddled.)
@ghtribune "As a Latina, respect who we are." She also talked about gun violence being a problem.
@ghtribune #97 Laketown Twp: "There are so many ignoring the fact that this is a spiritual war."
@ghtribune "Demons have come in by the multitude."
@ghtribune "I will not have my gun confiscated." (*The red-flag laws would only apply if a judge agreed someone was a credible threat to themselves and others.)
@ghtribune #98: She is speaking VERY fast. I'll just say she's trying to cram a lot in with her time. Let's just say she is a progressive talking about fascist regimes and all the perils they entail.
@ghtribune #101 Holland: "We have become experts of blaming and shaming one another. ... I ask if anyone is listening to one another."
@ghtribune He's saying several commenters have acted like children "not getting their way." "We're all too quick to use fear and manipulation to get what we want." He says God often is used to achieve this.
@ghtribune (*He is against the resolution.)
@ghtribune #103 Park Twp: Against the resolution who lived in California for 25 years (*there are smirks in the gallery). "Those here might consider me to be a woke liberal. I take this as a compliment." She supports 2A, but not the constitutional county.
@ghtribune "The Bible, as much as I love it, is not a government document."
@ghtribune #104 (*started off with a joke that if he offered $100, could he get another minute to speak.)
@ghtribune (*This is "driveway guy," a man who is still upset that the county didn't allow him to put in a driveway on his property: michiganfarmnews.com/ruling-gives-r…)
@ghtribune "Where is my justice?" (It's been 9 years, my dude.)
@ghtribune #105 Park Twp: My commissioners are trying to turn my wonderful county into a place where not everyone is welcome.
@ghtribune "You're signaling to residents that if they don't like a law, they don't need to follow it. You're condoning that behavior."
@ghtribune #106 Wright Twp: He's talking about an imaginary government protecting the rights of the individual.
@ghtribune "People are willing to trade freedom for fear," in arguing for the "lesser magistrate" has a responsibility to defy unjust laws — not what the federal government or what a judge says.
@ghtribune #107 Allendale Twp: She's reading the names of students killed in gun violence in recent years.
@ghtribune "Your guns don't need sanctuary. Your children do."
@ghtribune #108: She's talking about tomorrow being the anniversary of the Uvalde shooting in Texas.
@ghtribune "This whole confusing religion and guns, I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure Jesus didn't pick up a gun when they came for him."
@ghtribune #110 Port Sheldon Twp, a Black female resident, who has lived in Ottawa for 25 years: "How long does my family need to live here before we belong?"
@ghtribune "I'm worried about losing choice and voice. A community that has silenced its people is one of the greatest governmental transgressions." She called their decisions quick, shading and predatory.
@ghtribune #111 Grand Haven: "There's a lot of people who live in Ottawa County whose rights need to be respected, regardless of their religion. Anyone who lives here has the right to respect from all of us."
@ghtribune #112 Holland Twp: "Who was in the room when this resolution was being contemplated? Who was not at the table? Was it someone like me not at the table?" (*He's a Black man.)
@ghtribune "Who gets power? Who gets to decide how that power gets used?"
This is "white privilege and arrogance, in my opinion. We should never underestimate our capacity to over-spiritualize our selfishness. This is a euphemism for selfishness."
#115 Allendale Twp: He is apologizing for being "complacent as Ottawa Impact narrowed the comfort zone for many of our residents."
(*One of the previous commenters is displaying a "Black Power" sign silently and it clearly is upsetting some conservatives in the gallery.)
The speaker is now saying the elimination of the DEI worries him, as it could scare off businesses.
(*We keep cycling through numbers and people have gone.)
#122 Muskegon County, Republican co-chair. She is citing Abraham Lincoln right now that "our victory is in God."
She's calling the actions of the Legislature "treason," and is telling people to look it up. (*So Imma do that, since it's now after midnight and I have to entertain myself.)
(*Treason: the crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill the sovereign or overthrow the government. She's not saying how legislator tried to overthrow the gov't. Maybe she will get to that.)
(*Spoiler: She didn't.)
#123 Zeeland: He says we shouldn't just focus on the 2nd Amendment and says there are countless ways our other rights have been violated. He's not giving examples.
"Our constitutional rights are forgotten." (*Again, all the commissioners, the sheriff and the prosecutor swore to uphold it.)
"To not vote for this resolution would be a violation of your oath." (*Legally, that is incorrect.)
#124 she.... is singing "God Bless America"
(*I have no idea what's happening.)
#125 Grand Haven Twp: "At the end of the day, we just want people stay alive. And to make sure people stay safe," arguing against the resolution.
#126 (*didn't give name/area): "You guys are doing great. I hope you all vote for it."
#127 Zeeland Twp: She supports the resolution and says the Constitution was created by the people to protect inalienable rights that are "God-given."
We're through public comment!
Moss: There is a second public comment at the end.
Clerk Justin Roebuck: It's the sunrise service.
Moss: There is a second public comment at the end.
Clerk Justin Roebuck: It's the sunrise service.
We're working through the consent agenda (minutes from last meeting and ratification of contracts.)
Here's the big show. Rhodea is going to move the constitutional county resolution. Now she will read the lengthy document.
(*It's four pages long, but you can see it here: miottawa.org/Calendar/viewD…)
(*Digging the TEN "whereas"es and SEVEN "be it resolved"s.)
(*She's still reading, so I'll take a sec to explain this is almost certain to pass, as Ottawa Impact controls a majority of the board. It will be interesting if there is any discussion beforehand.)
(*While she is STILL reading, I'll drop the background link again, in case anyone wants it: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…)
It took about 5 minutes to read the entire thing. Now she is reading a prepared statement.
She's talking about a "Marxist DEI value system and spread DEI beliefs throughout the county."
She's now again talking about how parental rights were violated during the pandemic. (*This has been their champion issue.)
"We would be negligent in our duties if the Constitution is not upheld and protected." (*Again, they all swore an oath to the Constitution already?)
Moss now also reading from a statement: "Passing this resolution is a commitment to protecting these rights."
Commissioner Allison Miedema now speaking, also reading a prepared statement (*They sure came prepared tonight.).
"Some said that this doesn't fall under our jurisdiction or that we're seceding. There's an 800-year history that precedes this resolution. We have a right to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
She's now talking about freedoms being under attack. She's not specifying each one, but presumably she means the "Second Amendment."
Now she's talking about abortion. (*1) This is not under the board's purview. 2) This was enshrined in the state Constitution with the passage of Proposal 3 by a majority of voters in Michigan.)
This is the first time one of the commissioners has referenced abortion as being potentially unconstitutional. (*It might come up in the future.)
We're to Commissioner Lucy Ebel now. (*They clearly had a speaker list order ahead of time, as none of them are signaling they want to speak and they're all reading from prepared statements.)
Ebel is now talking about how examples when legal carrying people stopped wrongdoers trying to commit violence. (*I didn't catch the first example, but the second was in New York.)
Now an example from Maryland. She announced she is voting in favor of the amendment.
Commissioner Doug Zylstra, who had to signal to speak: "I think we have an opportunity to take a step back and look at some of the concerns." He's passing out language he prepared that supports and upholds their existing stated objectives.
He's making a motion to strike graphs 1-14 and is providing new language, which he is reading.
It's basically changing the resolution to support all the Bill of Rights.
No one seconded the motion, so the motion dies. That means we're back to the original resolution.
Commissioner Roger Belknap now speaking: To all who spoke, "there was a lot of passion ... on both sides." (*He doesn't have prepared comments, so that's refreshing.)
With that, he said he supports the resolution and that it's an affirmation to the Constitution.
"We've been groomed to accept compliance. ... Our systems are more important than our people." Again, tying it back to the mask mandates of 2020-21, which expired 18 months ago.
Commissioner Jacob Bonnema: "I think I've made it clear that this vote would be most effective if it were held in Lansing, but we're in Ottawa County. I absolutely swore to uphold my oath in any way I can, so I'll be voting in favor of this tonight."
Commissioner Gretchen Cosby is referencing her experience as a nurse and trauma nurse and that of the 50-plus gunshot wounds she treated in her career, 2 were committed by legal guns. (*I would like to know how a health care professional keeps statistics like that.)
Moss is now saying 50 of the 83 counties in Michigan have adopted similar measures and that people have asked him, "Why is Ottawa so far behind?" He's now smiling at the gallery.
He's now citing the Ottawa Impact contract, saying they all swore to uphold civil liberties.
"That was written months and months ago — a year and a half ago. I'm happy to fulfill that commitment I made."
Motion passes. Moss is thanking the claps and cheers in the gallery.
Yeas: Cosby, Bonnema, Terpstra, Miedema, Curran, Ebel, Belknap, Rhodea, Moss
Nay: Zylstra
Yeas: Cosby, Bonnema, Terpstra, Miedema, Curran, Ebel, Belknap, Rhodea, Moss
Nay: Zylstra
We're onto a resolution honoring fallen and active veterans.
Ebel is talking about how important it is to honor the vets. She's tearing up telling of her personal relatives lost to war.
Commissioner Rebekah Curran is thanking current servicemembers, who tend to be forgotten because they move every 4 years.
It passed unanimously. The board is now applauding the veterans and active service people in the gallery.
Up next is the sheriff's report to the board.
Sheriff Steve Kempker: "I have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution as well as to enforce state and local laws. The citizens of this county elected me to honor that oath. ... I will continue to direct my deputies and staff to uphold their oaths as well....
"We will continue to focus on victims of crime ... and for visitors. ... Policing must be done in a way that is lawful and constitutional, but also in a way that maintains the consent of the people....
Moving to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs report. Poor Loren Snippe had to wait 6.5 hours to give his report.
We're nearing the 7-hour mark. Who's still with me!
The sheriff's report and veterans dept report can be found here: miottawa.org/Calendar/viewD…
Some really good data there that I think residents would find helpful.
We're still here, listening to the presentation. We still have the second public comment period and the county administrator's report left. But I'm getting my 17th wind, so it's fine.
Ok, we're onto Public Comment Part II.
#1 Port Sheldon Twp: "Nothing you put on paper will top the honor that service gave me. The problem I have is the person you invited into this building, Matt Trewhella."
"Dismantle the judicial supremacy of our nation. Did you campaign on that? Did you campaign on using your judgment on what's constitutional? I don't remember that."
"He said liberty is rooted in Christianity. Well, I assure you my liberty is just as important to me as any of you. And he spoke of sedition. In this building. And if any of you believe what he spoke? You are not qualified to hold your office."
#2 Driveway guy is back: He's talking about how red-flag laws created barriers for law-abiding citizens. (*I'm not sure any of these citizens have ever petitioned a judge to have guns confiscated [which technically already was legal in some circumstances].)
(*It is inordinately difficult to do.)
He just offered the commission to come help him feed his farm animals. (*This is early morning mania, fam.)
#3: "I am amazed at this board. 73 people stood up here and pleaded with you not to pass that resolution. And you all ignored them. The voice of the people."
"Tonight, you probably made yourself the most hated man in Ottawa County. ... But tonight I found out it was Sylvia Rhodea with her spaghetti writing with all those 'whereases.' ...
"I blame Rebekah who lives and breathes conspiracy theories. I blame Roger Belknap and Lucy Ebel, for their zombie-like positions on this board."
"I blame Allison Miedema for never listening to the residents of District 11 and only adhering to the fact that only she knows what's best for Ottawa County."
"But most of all, I blame myself. I blame myself for allowing you to sit on this board. But, just like your obsession with the lesser magistrate and interposition, I will stand between you and the residents of Ottawa County between a corrupt board and the people."
#4 Park Twp: A commenter from previous comment, who said we are fighting demonic forces.
She's talking about Marxism trying to replace education and 1607 Jamestown. (*Apropos of nothing.)
#5, a precinct delegate returning from comment 1, thanking the board for passing all the things.
#6: "You've been given a responsibility. I trust you to uphold that responsibility for everyone who might not be like you."
1 online comment: Holland Twp. "Joe, you tried your hardest to get as many people to show up for this wackiness. And we got the 70-30 mark, which is accurate."
"Some of you will be facing recall and some of you will be seeing other people in those chairs come election day for 4 years."
The county administrator's report: He said in Japanese, "thanks for all your hard work."
John Gibbs is saying things he has said in several previous meetings. "Things continue to move forward." And "We're in a 98-2 situation. 98% is going great."
Hoping he mentions brown bag lunches this morning. 1) because he always does. 2) because it's almost breakfast time.
He did! This means his tally is now 8 since January. He doesn't say if/how well-attended they are.
"That's the pretty quick rundown of what's going on."
Zylstra is asking about the county's strategic planning session. Gibbs is saying 1:1 of him with directors. Zylstra is saying, "so we won't have input."
Zylstra: "That really is radical change from the past."
Gibbs: "Right. Welcome to the situation we're in right now."
Gibbs then said he wouldn't play games with Zylstra.
Gibbs: "Right. Welcome to the situation we're in right now."
Gibbs then said he wouldn't play games with Zylstra.
"I've answered your question."
Zylstra: *chuckles. "Okay."
Zylstra: *chuckles. "Okay."
And with that, blissfully, blessedly, the meeting is adjourned. 7 hours and 45 minutes, fam. Our story on the constitutional county resolution by @SentinelMitch is live now: hollandsentinel.com/story/news/pol…
@SentinelMitch Check back tomorrow for additional updates and, of course @HollandSentinel's Thursday print edition. And with that, I am signing off!
As promised, here's the clip starting where he is speaking: youtube.com/live/pm_J-zIpc…
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