“I am withdrawing my name for consideration.”
Ottawa County board chair Joe Moss read the letter from finalist Jim Lower explaining why after interviewing for the job
“Just honored to be before you.”
He is no longer a county administrator candidate.
“Members of the incoming board majority began reaching out to me to express I would not be given a fair opportunity to succeed in this role they were committed to forcing out whoever is hired.”
Commissioner Allison Miedema says the calls to Lower came from newly elected commissioner John Teeples and incumbent Jacob Bonnema, who previously urged the current board to delay hiring an administrator until new members take office and control of the board in January.
“He began receiving intimidating phone calls from john Teeples and Jacob Bonnema. John Teeples will likely be chair and Jacob Bonnema maybe vice chair of the Ottawa county commissioners in 2025.”
“It is unfortunate to find someone who feels he must withdraw due to the intimidation he has received.”
The other finalist, Port Huron city manager James Freed, withdrew from consideration last week.
“The county now sits at a standstill for yet another 6 to 12 months before hiring a permanent administrator.”
