OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — Ottawa County Commissioner Lucy Ebel faced a recall election on May 7.
Democratic challenger Christian Kleinjans faced the incumbent Republican and won the election. Kleinjans won by 20 percentage points in a overwhelming victory.
“I am grateful and humbled that the hardworking people of this district have put their trust and confidence in me,” said Kleinjans. “The voters of District 2 made it clear that they reject the chaos, fiscal irresponsibility, and disrespect for county employees that exemplify Lucy Ebel and Ottawa Impact’s style of government, and I will work every day to turn that around.”
“I’m looking forward to learning more about the great work this county does from the dedicated staff in our county offices,” added Kleinjans. “But I’m most interested in those areas I heard about from the people I met in District 2 while canvassing. Namely, our housing shortage and the condition of the road network. Personally, I hope to influence the board in adhering to an ethics policy in our decision making as well as advocate for funding a coordinator for Ottawa Food.”
The petition to recall Ebel was approved by the county clerk's office in November after it was challenged by Ebel.
A group of voters known as the Committee to Recall Lucy Ebel spent several months collecting signatures.
Larry Jackson, who sponsored the petition, said Ebel and the conservative group Ottawa Impact are "too extreme" for the county. He said Ebel's actions, including turning down grants, cutting the health department budget and firing valued employees, are just some of the reasons behind the petition.
County Clerk Justin Roebuck posted the response letter to Ebel's challenge on Facebook, claiming multiple people had shared concerns about fraud and recall petition circulators violating the law. He also said he received comments that people were "watching" him during the challenge review process. The full response letter can be seen here.
The recall election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. You can find the results of election here:
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