“Thank you, commissioners, for trusting me with this great responsibility.”
New first term Ottawa County commissioner john Teeples is replacing Joe Moss as board chair. Moss had the job for two years and Teeples said county employees have his sympathy.
“I am sorry for what many of you had to endure over the last 2 years.” And thank you for not resigning from county employment we can only imagine how difficult not doing so must have been.”
Under Joe Moss, the conservative Ottawa Impact majority elected in 2022 fired two administrators, tried to fire the health officer, changed the county slogan, dissolved the diversity and equity office and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars settling lawsuits. Only 4 Ottawa Impact candidates won in the November election, ending their board majority
“The people of Ottawa county have spoken.”
Moss was the only other candidate nominated for board chair.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to serve as chair over the last two years and I would be very happy to continue to serve as chair.”
The vote to elect Teeples chair was 7 to 4.
“We have a lot to do together to restore the reputation of Ottawa county government.”
