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Ottawa Co. board fires administrator John Gibbs

Ottawa County, Mich., Board of Commissioners member, John Gibbs, a former Republican congressional candidate who was backed by former President Donald Trump, speaks during a board meeting, Tuesday, Sept., 5, 2023, in West Olive, Mich.
Kristen Norman/AP
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FR171985 AP
Ottawa County, Mich., Board of Commissioners member, John Gibbs, speaks during a board meeting, Tuesday, Sept., 5, 2023, in West Olive, Mich.

Gibbs was the Trump backed candidate who defeated west Michigan congressman Peter Meijer in the 2022 republican primary, and then lost to democrat Hillary Scholten in the general election

“I move to terminate Mr. Gibbs contract for cause.”

A week after placing him on paid leave, and just over 13 months since he was hired, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, led by chair Joe Moss, has had enough of Administrator John Gibbs.

“The board has determined Mr. Gibbs has been dishonest committed gross misconduct and or committed will full malfeasance.”

The board suspended and then fired Gibbs after some members said he was no longer following directions, made threats and inappropriate comments. Board attorney Brook Bisonet says how much if any severance the board may pay depends on whether Gibbs fights the firing.

“Mr. Gibbs gets another job, decides to move on maybe it is nothing that is an issue going forward.”

Gibbs was the Trump backed candidate who defeated west Michigan congressman Peter Meijer in the 2022 republican primary, and then lost to democrat Hillary Scholten in the general election. Tina Harner of Holland Township told the board she was surprised the vote was ten to one to fire Gibbs.

“I am so thrilled to observe a modern day miracle where both sides of the room were in agreement on something.”

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