Township Association Hears From Candidates

Pictured Below: Officials gather to hear Candidates for Sheriff and County Clerk

Township Association Hears From Candidates
By: N3 News Team

Candidates vying for Sheriff and County Clerk spoke to a meeting of Newaygo County Township officials on Wednesday night to share a little bit about themselves and why they are seeking office.
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Sheriff Pat Hedlund spoke of the changes made since his appointment to the office and emphasized that there would be further changes down the road for the department. He talked about a grant funded initiative involving increased recreational patrol and...

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​...safety classes and shared of how the Muskegon River patrol has helped make the waterway a more family friendly environment.

Pictured Above: Jason Vanderstelt makes his case as a candidate for Newaygo County Clerk

Grant and White Cloud Chief of Police Bob Mendham, a candidate for Sheriff, spoke of efforts to create partnerships as a cost saving measure using shared resources for increased efficiency. He cited the advantages both short and long term of having a presence in the schools as his department currently has in White Cloud. Chief Mendham also emphasized the need for law enforcement to reconnect with the community and regain some of the support that has been lost.

County Clerk Drew Robinson talked about the changes implemented since his appointment to the Clerk’s Office and about the importance of being detailed and accurate in order to maintain the integrity of the records kept by the office. He spoke to the learning process he has experienced since taking office particularly with regard to elections and concluded with expressing his honor and pleasure in serving the community.

​County Clerk candidate Jason Vanderstelt gave some personal background information referencing his years in the Air Force, after which he pursued an accounting degree and his work the past 4 years as the accountant for the Treasurer’s Office. He also talked of his volunteer work in the area of coaching kids in football and baseball. Mr. Vanderstelt described himself as being very team oriented a trait he feels necessary in the position he is seeking. 

Pictured Above: Pat Hedlund Speaks to officials

​Three other candidates who are running unopposed thus far also took to the podium to speak to their experience with and vision for the offices they are looking to be reelected to. County Treasurer Holly Moon, Register of Deeds Stewart Sanders and District 4 Commissioner Jim Maike each addressed the gathering.

Pictured Above: Current County Clerk Andrew Robinson addresses township officials

Primary elections are slated for August 2nd. The last day to register in order to be eligible to cast your ballot in this election is July 5th.

For more information on elections, CLICK HERE

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Pictured Above: Bob Mendham expresses his views to township leaders