School board president to run for county judge

Chris Houghtaling, president of the Grand Haven school board and a longtime local attorney, announced this week that he will seek the Ottawa County judge seat that will be vacated at the end of the year by District Judge Richard Kloote.

Tribune Staff

Grand Haven

Mar 24, 2012

Kloote is retiring in December.

Houghtaling, 47, is a member of Houghtaling, Wasiura & Catalino PLC, working in Ottawa and Muskegon counties. He has represented the city of Grand Haven since 2002 with prosecution legal services, including zoning and ordinance violations. Houghtaling has worked extensively in local and federal courts over the past 17 years.

If elected, Houghtaling said he would impartially resolve conflicts and issues that come before the court.

"I would provide a perspective of problem-solving, fair and decision-making, as well as a strong history of public service to the District Court," he said. "Having worked regularly in the 58th District Court, I have a strong understanding of the needs to resolve legal challenges and seek to continue to serve the citizens of Ottawa County.”

Houghtaling has three sons: Klintworth, 28; Kohl, 23; and Kollin, 19.