“I thought I was going to walk into a room of friends.”
The vote to appoint Rosema was 7 to 4, the 4 no’s all members of the conservate Ottawa Impact group that had a board majority until the public voted for change in the November election.
“That doesn’t mean I’m not going to work with you guys I will, I pride myself in the ability to turn people’s opinion around.”
Rosema was the Ottawa County sheriff for 23 years before retiring in 2016. All the commissioners spoke highly of his qualifications, Jacob Bonnema called him extremely competent.
“Understands how the county works and has the trust of so many people in this building.”
Former chair Joe Moss and the 3 others who voted against Rosema said they were concerned he would support reinstatement of Doug Van Essen, the corporate council the Ottawa Impact Majority replaced when they took control of the board in 2023.
“I do not trust Doug Vân Essen. I don’t trust him to protect anyone’s rights but his own.”
“I don’t’ decide that matter.”
Rosema is the county’s 5th administrator. Third interim in the past 2 years.
“I’ll convince you people we can move on from here.”
