Republican incumbent faces same-party challenger for Ottawa County board seat

ZEELAND, MI – A Republican is challenging a same-party incumbent on Aug. 2 for the Ottawa County Commission seat representing Zeeland and portions of Holland and Zeeland townships.

Commercial insurance agent Jacob D. Bonnema is challenging real estate agent and incumbent county commissioner Allen Dannenberg for the county commission’s 4th District seat.

Whichever of the Republicans wins Aug. 2, they will run unopposed in the November general election, as there are no Democratic candidates running. The winner earns a two-year term on the county board.

Dannenberg, 70, has served on the county commission since 2013 and currently serves as the vice chair. He’s served on various committees for the board, including the Health and Human Services Committee, Planning and Policy Committee, Mental Health Board, the Solid Waste Planning Committee, Food Services Appeals Board and the West Michigan Enforcement Team.

Prior to serving on the county board, he was a Zeeland city councilmember for 10 years. He currently works as a real estate agent and serves on the Zeeland Recreation Board.

Bonnema, 44, is an Eagle Scout, commercial insurance agent and founding member of Foundry Church in Zeeland. He also previously co-owned Chuck Norris’ World Combat League, a mixed-martial-arts tournament founded by the actor and martial artist.

MLive/The Grand Rapids Press partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. Each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues listed below.

All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for necessary cuts if a reply exceeded character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.

Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org.

From this list, rate your top 3 priorities for the office of Ottawa County Commissioner: Funding for infrastructure and roads, Land Use, Water Quality, Social Services, Lower Taxes, Safety, Senior Services funded through a countywide millage, Redistricting – county commissioner allocation. Discuss briefly.

Jacob D. Bonnema:

#1 Social Services – The Dept of Public Health and the Dept of DE&I have become political activist. Both need to be rebalanced with information and services that reflect the entire community it serves. Progressive activist are weaponizing our county Health and DE&I departments to over-sexualize and rob our children of their innocence. I am pro parental rights and believe your child belongs to you. I also believe that the color of your skin is not nearly as important as the person inside. #2 – Land Use/Water Quality. As a grandson to 4th generation dairy farmers and an Eagle Scout, I believe in the importance of stewardship and leaving nature better than you found it. This includes water quality, land use, and conservation. #3 Lower Taxes – I believe every job is essential and that we should always work to govern with the least amount of force and taxation. It is easy to waste other peoples money. Cutting off wasteful spending is my preferred way to aid in lowering taxes.

Allen Dannenberg:

We need to be sure the citizens of the county are safe – by providing adequate police & fire protection as well as by maintaining good roads and traffic patterns. It is crucial to be careful with the county’s finances. We need to closely monitor our water quality and quantity.

County commissioners have done an effective job in leading the county in the last two years. Do you agree or disagree? Briefly explain.

Allen Dannenberg:

The county is in excellent shape. We currently have the sixth lowest millage rate out of 83 counties in Michigan. We are consistently rated very high in the areas of health, education & employment.

Jacob D. Bonnema:

I was offended when my current commissioner ignored the citizens voices and mishandled our civil liberties during the pandemic so poorly, that it brought national negative press on Ottawa County. As your commissioner, I will never vote to close your church, cancel your event, or restrict you from gathering as a family. I am running to be your county commissioner to represent your voice and desire to stop the erosion of our civil liberties and stand against the liberal policies of the current commissioners. Commissioners serve YOU. Commissioners hire the department heads, approve budgets, and act as a critical communications link to the City Council and townships. I am for listening, asking informed questions, and demanding measurable benefits in exchange for our county’s time, talent and treasure.

What are your strategies for meeting with your district to gain local insight for important county decisions.

Jacob D. Bonnema:

I have been meeting one on one with existing City Council members, police officers, school principles, and school mental resiliency councilors. My job also requires that I am constantly communicating with local business owners and their employees on a wide range of needs. As I listen and ask questions, I am often told “Thank you for taking the time to learn what I actually do in my position. Most people never ask and just assume they know”. I also have learned that many of our community leaders have never met our commissioner! I am running to represent your voice and desire to stop the erosion of our civil liberties and stand against the liberal policies of the current commissioners. Commissioners serve YOU. Commissioners hire the department heads, approve budgets, and are a critical communications link to the Zeeland City Council and townships. Please stand with us for Life, Liberty and Conservative Values. Please request a free yard sign or to volunteer by visiting jacobbonnema.com

Allen Dannenberg:

I try to be very available to my district. I attend meetings of Holland Township, Zeeland Township and the City of Zeeland on a quarterly basis. I also meet with Zeeland’s Board of Education once a year. In addition, I attend the West Coast Chamber’s Wake Up Breakfasts and Advocacy in Action Breakfasts. I also serve on the Board for Zeeland Recreation. I am involved in many charitable and recognition events in my district.

Read more:

Muskegon County Commission District 7 primary pits former mayor against political newcomer

Three seeking new circuit court judgeship in Muskegon County will face off in Aug. 2 primary

Days are getting shorter, but typically the hottest weather is yet to come. Here’s why

Vote 411 logo

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.