NC Democrats to Hold Annual Dinner

Congressional candidate Bryan Berghoef

Rev. Berghoef to speak at the Septeber 19 event

From the NC Democratic Party:

Reverend Bryan Berghoef, candidate for Michigan’s  2nd Congressional District, will be a featured speaker at the 4th Annual Dinner and Silent Auction by the Newaygo County Democratic Party. The event will take place on Saturday, September 19 from 4pm to 8pm at the John Graves Lodge (Newaygo Welcome Center), 4684 Evergreen Drive (M-37), Newaygo. The mainly outdoor event will follow health safety guidelines with social distancing provided and mask wearing required until seated. Live music will be provided by Greg Miller, jazz and pop Guitarist; and the MC will be Marshall Stern, improv artist, entertainer and actor.

Berghoef is the pastor at Holland United Church of Christ, and a community advocate. He lives in Holland with his wife Christy and four children. Bryan will face incumbent Bill Huizenga.

“I seek to represent our communities in the 2nd Congressional District because I see my friends and neighbors struggling with the coronavirus pandemic, an economy that serves the wealthy, attacks on our democracy, and much more. And the influence of Big Money in politics stops us from solving these issues and helping West Michigan," states Rev. Berghoef.

"Our current 2nd District Representative Bill Huizenga is under federal ethics investigation for spending over $400,000 in corporate campaign donations on fancy restaurants, ski vacations, and trips to Disney; he hasn't held an in-person town hall in the district since 2017," he added. "I'm running to represent West Michigan with integrity, and to fight for families, not wealthy special interests. That's why I support comprehensive campaign finance reform and am not taking corporate PAC money.”

Other key policies for Berghoef include backing science-based national plans to contain the coronavirus and reopen our economy safely; supporting small- and medium-sized businesses to create jobs with living wages; dismantling systemic racism, including common sense police reform and support; smart regulations that protect the environment and produce jobs in the sustainable energy fields; and working towards universal health coverage with public and private options.

Bryan Berghoef is currently endorsed by the Christian Democrats of America; Michigan Education Association; National Education Association; United Auto Workers, Plumbers and Pipefitters; The Lakeshore Community Labor Council; the West Michigan Building Trades; Progressive Women's Alliance; Progressive Democratic  Women's Caucus of Muskegon County; Michigan's Second Congressional District Party; and the former heads of the Christian Reformed Church in North America and the Reformed Church in America, Dr. Steven Timmermans and Reverend Wesley Granberg-Michaelson.    

Sandy Clarke, candidate for the 100th House District, will also speak, highlighting her candidacy platform. Ms. Clarke has been a homeowner and resident in Lake County for over 25 years. In addition to her experience as a local township and Lake County Foundation trustee, a Board Member of Baldwin Promise Authority, and civic memberships in Baldwin Rotary and Lions Clubs, Sandy also brings her history as an adjunct professor of political science to her candidacy. Ms. Clarke’s platform includes assuring funding for education, economic development, infrastructure repair, and human services among other issues. 

“The Newaygo County Democratic Party supports candidates who embody the spirit and principles of the United States Constitution,” states Jan Walsh, NCDP Board Member. “This can be summed up in the statement from the National Democratic Party Platform: ‘Democrats are the party of inclusion. We know that diversity is not our problem—it is our promise. As Democrats, we respect differences of perspective and belief, and pledge to work together to move this country forward, even when we disagree ... we do not merely seek common ground—we strive to reach higher ground.’ 

“This may seem difficult to do at this time of upheaval in our country; but it is something we must all strive for, together, across all social, racial, economic and political divides,” added Dallas Dean, NCDP Chair. 

Tickets and sponsorships for the 4th Annual Dinner are available for the full event. Guests can also come just for the speakers and auction without the dinner. Visit www.newaygocodems.org and Newaygo County Democratic Party Facebook page for information and to purchase tickets online. Information and tickets can also be obtained by calling the Newaygo County Democratic Party at 231.709.9007.

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