“The five finalists are candidate number 13, 20, 29, 44 and candidate number 50.”
The Ottawa County commissioners will put names to the numbers when the applicants for administrator are publicly interviewed next month. Commissioner Jordan Jorritsma thinks one of the numbers is a winner.
“Just looking off the list I think our person is in here. I’m feeling very confident.”
The finalists were selected after each commissioner ranked their top candidates. They shared some of the qualities they are looking for.
“A high level of ethics including absolute honesty, “says Commissioner Allison Miedema.
“Acts with integrity in all situations,” adds Vice-Chair Josh Brugger.
“Appreciates diversity of this county,” is important to Commissioner Doug Zylstra
“Also knows how to get things done”, says Commissioner Jacob Bonnema.
Commissioner Joe Moss is looking for Christian values.
“Christ like character and a strong moral compass.”
When Joe Moss and a new conservative majority took control of the board in 2023 they immediately hired John Gibbs as administrator. After they fired him about a year later interim administrators have been in the position. That conservative majority was not reelected in November. There have been 3 unsuccessful administrator searches in the past year. Current chair John Teeples says he is grateful for the new applicants.
“Willing to stick your neck out there and participate in this process,”
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