Once again, John Westra, in a vain attempt to discredit some of his opponents and campaign during another board meeting, made a statement about how other candidates (indicating that some of the violators were present) had campaing signs that were over the four square feet limit. Westra knows that the limit is nine sq. ft. per sign. He has campaigned before and has received the letter from the Kent County Road Commission indicating the sign limits. Too bad some listen to his blathering.
I'm glad you have taken an interest in using the discussion forum I designed for the Citizens of Ada. Now that you have decided to run for office! I encourage you to use your real name as part of your profile, as I have, to let the voters know who you are! I think that's an "ethical" approach, don't you?
Regarding "campaigning" during board meetings; I'm sure the recent increase in your public comments and other Board Members comments has nothing to do with the fact that you are running for office, right!? Don't feel alone, it's fun for me to watch your fellow running mates, who are frequently absent from meetings and/or never make a motion, develop a sudden sense of duty these last six months.
You are right about one thing, my pointing out that candidate Sytsma and others had signs much larger than 4 sq. feet was absolutely designed as a "political" jab. I'm glad you caught that!
Here are a couple of finer points that you seem to have missed/ignored:
"Political:Signs not exceeding four square feet located by an individual on his own residence or place of business or on some part of the property; provided such signs are displayed not more than 45 days before, or more than ten days after, the conclusion of the political campaign to which it relates;"
Note: At the 2004/07/26 meeting of the Board, a motion was made to adopt ordinance O-072604-1, which would have amended the sign ordiance to make it: "...comply with Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) and MDOT rules..." The motion FAILED.
Second ) As a member of the planning commission and a Board member, candidate Sytsma is familiar with our political siign ordinance. Having failed to pursue having the ordinance amended during her time on the Planning Commission and Board, she once again, as she did in the last election, made a choice to disregard the size limitations imposed by our current ordinances.
Forgive my "blathering," but as long as we're talking about issues relating to the election; how should citizens react to the fact that your fellow running mates, including candidate Sytsma, set up a tent at the recent 4th of July festivities, without paying for it or asking permission from the event coordinator, Township Supervisor or Committee Chairperson to do so? Perhaps this is yet another example of how certain individuals feel that the rules should apply to everyone BUT them!?
__________________ John Westra, MCP,CCP
616-378-0808
I will respond to board member Westra's response to my posting at a later date, but first, let's take a look at two statements Mr. Westra made in his reply. First, he addresses me as "Candidate" Sarb and second, indicates that he is the designer of this discussion forum. Mr. Westra is correct in identifying me as Mr. Sarb and I am a candidate for trustee. What worries me and should worry all those who participate in this forum, is the disturbing fact that Mr. Westra was able to identify me, even though my personalinformation was not available to the general public on this site. I clicked on other forum participant member's user names and could not find any relevant information about these people, including their names. It should concern all of you that an elected official would have access to this information and reveal it to the public! This forum lends itself to anonymity for the poster and that now has been breached. How can the public feel safe to posts their opinions, knowing that someone, such as John Westra, Ada Township board member can indentify you at will? I will be submitting a complaint form to the Ada Township Ethics Committee this coming week. There will be information posted on the township's website indicating if and when a public hearing would be set to hear this complaint and I encourage all of you who are concerned about this public breach of trust to attend.
Talk about calling the kettle black candidate Westra. You complain about sign size and have been in office four years? Then do something about it - make a motion, push the planning commission - whatever is needed...........instead of complaining.
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The
information contained within this site and related links was prepared as a
service to the Ada Township community. Neither
Ada Township nor any of its employees, makes any warranty, expressed or
implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process disclosed,
or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference
herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name,
trademark manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply
its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Ada Township. The opinions of
the author expressed herein do not state or reflect those of Ada Township, its
employees or other elected officials and shall not be used for advertising or
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