At the close of the November 26, 2024, Board of Commissioners meeting, Chairman Joe Moss gave an update on the months-long search for a permanent County Administrator:

“When we were elected, we committed to return Ottawa County for the priorities and the protection of the people after living under the unconstitutional local government overreach by Ottawa County in 2020 to 2022. Hiring an excellent County Administrator is an important step in creating a beautiful future for Ottawa County and future generations.

Earlier this year we intentionally waited until after the August primary election to begin searching for a new permanent County Administrator, so that the County Administrator candidates or applicants would know the makeup of the next board prior to applying for the position.“

• On September 24, 2024, the Executive Transition Committee was appointed by the Board of Commissioners and tasked with searching for a full-time County Administrator—with the successful recruitment help of W Talent Solutions, and which included input from some of the key staff who interact with the County Administrator on a daily basis

• 19 resumes have been received representing a tremendous pool of talent and experience. Moss expressed his appreciation to each person who demonstrated a desire to serve in Ottawa County. All resumes are available to the public on the County website at miottawa.org.

• The Executive Transition Committee reviewed applicant resumes for evidence of strong leadership, depth of knowledge, relevant experience, education, and the ability to lead complex teams. Ottawa County is blessed to have outstanding individuals applying for the County Administrator position.

• The Committee voted on November 15 to move four applicants forward for public interviews. They were Christopher Estes, James Freed, Patrick Jordan, and Jim Lower.

• Interviews took place on Tuesday, November 19th. The interviews were live streamed and video recorded for the public. All current county commissioners, constituents, staff, and recently elected county commissioners were invited to watch the interviews and contact the Committee to share their perspectives on which candidates they believed should move forward for a second round of interviews, and which candidate should ultimately be presented to be the permanent County Administrator.

The Executive Transition Committee reconvened last week Thursday, November 21, to choose two final candidates to interview: James Freed and Jim Lower.

• Both candidates received unanimous votes from members of the Committee to proceed to final round interviews. Freed and Lower each demonstrated a great depth of knowledge and leadership experience in working with local government in the state of Michigan.

• Incoming commissioners, current commissioners, and other elected officials both within this County building and throughout the county have shared positive comments about both final candidates and stated that the Committee’s process was transparent, detailed, and well done

• Some of the incoming commissioners and current commissioners critiqued the process, mentioning that if the Committee waited until next year there would be a different pool of potential candidates. However, when asked to provide feedback on both James Freed and Jim Lower, no negativity was heard except that it was the current Board that was considering them.

• On Thursday, November 21, James Freed withdrew from the candidate pool due to personal reasons

• James Freed later called Jim Lower and communicated his support for his candidacy and belief that Ottawa County would be in good hands under his leadership

• Based on his merit and excellence in his field, the Committee found Jim Lower to be a standout candidate for the role of the next County Administrator

Commissioner Allison Miedema explained what happened next.

“After James Freed withdrew his candidacy on Thursday of last week, Jim Lower became publicly known as the final candidate to be considered for permanent County Administrator. Jim Lower shared with us that once this happened he began receiving intimidating phone calls from John Teeples and Jacob Bonnema.

For perspective, we have been informed by incoming commissioners that John Teeples will likely be the Chair and Commissioner Bonnema may be Vice Chair of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners in 2025.”

To whom it may concern:

I was honored to be recruited by W Talent solutions to apply for the Ottawa County Administrator position… Given the challenges facing Ottawa County I believed I was uniquely qualified to help bridge the political divide that has caused so much turmoil. Throughout this process I have been encouraged by many individuals both inside and outside the Ottawa County organization to strongly consider taking on this role. Following a positive interview, I was selected as a top two candidate and soon became the sole candidate under consideration.

It was at this point that members of the incoming board majority began reaching out to me both directly and indirectly to express that I would not be given a fair opportunity to succeed in this role. They explained that regardless of my qualifications or efforts they were committed to terminating or otherwise forcing out whoever is hired. This would be the case even if it resulted in significant cost to taxpayers through severance payments, search fees, and renewed turmoil. While I was assured this was “not personal,” it would undoubtedly impact my family and career.

At this moment, I believe it is time for someone to take an off-ramp. As such, I’m withdrawing my name from consideration for this position. I do not wish to cost Ottawa County taxpayers additional money or be placed in a role set up for failure thereby contributing to further division in the community. I wish the outgoing and incoming Board of Commissioners, the other elected officials, staff, and the people of Ottawa County all the best… Sincerely, Jim Lower.

And so, the search for the County Administrator will continue, at both a financial and a leadership cost to the citizens of Ottawa County.

Moss commented on Lower’s withdrawal saying that, “…as he [Lower] explained to us, it was after being intimidated by John Teeples and Jacob Bonnema. Not because he did not have the proper qualifications to be County Administrator, but because he participated in a transparent and public search process by the current Board.”

“It is unfortunate,” Moss continued, “to find someone that is supported by the community that feels he must withdraw due to the intimidation he’s received. Jim has confirmed he would greatly like to serve in the position and to serve the people of Ottawa County. The treatment Jim and his family received was unfair, unethical, and unjust. This behavior is also creating a toxic environment for the transition between two boards.

It should be noted that when the current Board was elected in 2022, no meaningful transition process occurred leading up to eight out of eleven new commissioners being seated. This put the new Board at a serious disadvantage in January of 2023, and harmed the people of Ottawa County. Unlike the prior and future Board, this Board is committed to working for the best interests of the people and a smooth transition plan.”

Chairman Joe Moss gives an update on the search for County Administrator, November 26, 2024.

Ottawa County Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting
November 26, 2024

Ottawa County Administration Building
12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460