“And so, the majority of votes received goes to Patrick Waterman.”
Seven commissioners voted for Waterman, while the four commissioners associated with conservative advocacy group Ottawa Impact voted for Matthew Farrar.
Waterman is the former Ottawa County deputy administrator who resigned in 2023, saying he was unable to form a professional working relationship with then-new administrator John Gibbs.
Commissioners who did not vote for Waterman, like Kendra Wenzel, said hiring Waterman will further divide the county.
“We had a chance to heal our county. Seven people chose not to heal our county.”
Commissioner Sylvia Rhodea shared similar thoughts.
“Over the past decade, our county has been led by weak leaders with weak ideals who prioritize power, and I fear that trend continues. I hope to be proven wrong.”
Board Chair John Teeples had a different view.
“I have no doubt Patrick Waterman will reach out to the best of his ability, in a spirit of good faith, to try to move this board together for the betterment of the county. I have no doubt about that. I hope we do, too.”
Waterman’s start date will be announced once the terms of his contract are finalized.
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