School board president to challenge county commissioner seat for GH

Wed, May 14, 2008    to del.icio.us

Chris Houghtaling, president of the Grand Haven Area Public Schools Board of Education, will challenge incumbent Dennis Swartout for his county commissioner seat in the Aug. 5 Republican primary election.

Houghtaling, an attorney, filed for the District 3 seat — which represents Grand Haven precincts 2, 3 and 4; and Grand Haven Township — just prior to Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline. He was not available for comment this morning.

Swartout, executive director of the Tri-Cities Historical Museum, was first elected to the county Board of Commissioners in 1996. He served five years as the board chairman.

"I'm going to run on my record," Swartout said this morning. "It's up to (Houghtaling) to try to convince people he's the better choice. The voters will make a choice whether they want to continue with two more years of my leadership and experience."

Swartout said he respects Houghtaling and welcomes competition for the seat.

"I've always said the electorate is best served when there is some competition," Swartout said. "Chris will be a good candidate. I look forward to the campaign."

The deadline passed with few other challengers against incumbents for 17 county positions.

Sheriff Gary Rosema, Prosecuting Attorney Ronald Frantz, Clerk Daniel Krueger, Register of Deed Gary Scholten and Drain Commissioner Paul Geerlings — all Republicans — are running unopposed for re-election to their posts.

County Treasurer Bradley Slagh will face a challenger. Certified Public Accountant and 15-year county employee Steven Namenye announced his candidacy on Tuesday.

"When you live and work in a great community, holding public office and being involved in public affairs is a great way to invest and give back," Namenye said.

Besides the Grand Haven area's District 3, only three of the 11 county commission seats will be opposed.

Two newcomers will vie for the District 9 seat in southern Ottawa County — which was vacated by Edward Berghorst, who is not seeking re-election. Allen Dannenberg faces Robert Karsten for that seat.

Glenn Bareman will challenge incumbent Joyce Kortman in District 1, which is in the Holland area.

Incumbent Philip Kuyers, a Republican, is being challenged by Karel Rogers, a Democrat, in the mid-county District 2, which includes Robinson Township. They will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.

Rogers is the only Democrat running for a county position in the election.

Unopposed candidates for county commissioner:

District 4 — Jane Ruiter of Ferrysburg

District 5 — Matthew Hehl of Coopersville

District 6 — Roger Rycenga of Allendale

District 7 — Gordon Schrotenboer of Holland

District 8 — Don Disselkoen of Holland

District 10 — Jim Holtrop of Hudsonville

District 11 — James Holtvluwer of Jenison

For more information on county elections, visit www.miottawa.org and select the Aug. 5 primary section under "elections."