In November, voters in Zeeland will choose three councilmembers from a pool of six. The newly elected officials will serve four-year terms.
Candidates include incumbent Glenn Kass and newcomers Andrew Bult, Kylee DeBoer, Ericka Humbert, Amy Langeland and Rebecca Perkins.
With so many newcomers, Zeelanders have questions about their backgrounds and priorities. The Sentinel sent a questionnaire to all candidates, and received a response from each. Here are their responses, edited for length and clarity:
Please introduce yourself, including your age and profession.
Kass: I’m 59, and a meat cutter at D&W in Holland. I earned a political science degree from Calvin University. I’ve been serving Zeeland for the past 22 years, (including) six on the Zeeland Planning Commission prior to being elected to Zeeland City Council in 2009. (I’ve been) council liaison to the Planning Commission since 2018.
Bult: I’m 32 and live in town with my wife Emily, daughter Lena, and golden retriever Charlie. After completing undergraduate studies at Grand Valley State University, I earned my doctorate in physical therapy from Belmont University. In March 2022, I opened the Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy Clinic in Zeeland.
DeBoer: I’m 38, married to Paul DeBoer and mother to two daughters who attend Zeeland Public Schools. I’m a secretary at a local school and small business cleaner.
Humbert: I’m 30 with two boys, and about as local as you can get. I’ve lived in Zeeland nearly my whole life, graduating from Zeeland East High School in 2013. My husband works at Gentex, and I currently work as a freelance marketing and communications specialist. I volunteer at the Zeeland Historical Society.
Langeland: I’m 53 and currently a librarian at Heritage Christian School. (I was) formerly an account financial manager at Prince Johnson Controls. I’m a longtime member of the Zeeland Cemetery and Parks Commission.
Perkins: I’m 49, and proud to have called Zeeland home for over 20 years. I currently serve on the Zeeland Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, and I previously served on the Board of Review. I’ve also completed the Zeeland Citizen’s Academy. As a real estate agent serving the area, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with residents from all walks of life.
Why are you running for Zeeland City Council?
Kass: Serving this city is part of my core. I have a proven track record of service and positive results and have so much more to give. I believe some continuity moving forward is critical. Losing Mayor (Kevin) Klynstra and Councilman (Jim) Broersma and their (combined) 56 years of service will be felt. We’ve seen the issues that can arise when large, sudden amounts of change happen on other local boards. We don’t need that to happen here.
Bult: I believe in serving the community that’s embraced my family as residents and myself as a business leader. I’m committed to making decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our citizens. This includes supporting responsible development, strengthening local businesses, equitable distribution of city funds, and ensuring our city remains a welcoming and God-fearing town.
DeBoer: I love our community and want to do my part to help the city continue to grow and thrive. I want to try and be a voice for residents as we continue to experience rapid growth and a changing business climate.
Humbert: Carrying forward the legacy of a thriving community requires responsible and dedicated leaders. It calls for an unwavering dedication to tactful conversations, extensive research, and a willingness to lean in, listen and ask questions. Every choice should be treated as the opportunity to physically reflect our dedication as councilmembers to see beyond the decision to the very people and organizations (we serve).
Langeland: I love Zeeland. I would be honored to continue serving the city I love. I’m hard-working, open-minded and accountable.
Perkins: I’ve reached a point in my life where I want to focus my energy on the things that matter most to me — and this city is at the top of that list. I care deeply about its future, and I believe in the power of local leadership to make a real difference in people’s everyday lives.
What do you think Zeeland is doing right?
Kass: We have the second lowest millage rate in Ottawa County at 11.1354 mills and a $12.8 million fund balance. The millage rate is the same today as when I was first elected in 2009. Zeeland is an incredibly safe place. Also, people want to be here! We’re a city of 5,500 people that becomes a community of 20,000 daily because of our strong industrial base. Families want to move here. We reinvest millions of dollars every year into our streets, sidewalks, water and sewer lines, electrical upgrades and our park system.
Bult: We have several parks, a revitalized downtown with new restaurants, numerous community events, family-friendly activities, parades and thriving local businesses, as well as manufacturing industries. Those in charge currently possess a love for Zeeland that I strive to be a part of.
DeBoer: We have a wonderful team of law enforcement, fire and city entities. The city strives to make our community safe, welcoming and inviting for all ages. I’m grateful for the forward-thinking leadership that has served on the council and I see us building on that solid foundation.
Humbert: I’m impressed with how Zeeland officials work to be as fiscally responsible as possible when making bid decisions, and how much they prioritize ensuring our infrastructure, police, and fire departments have what they need to keep our city safe and efficient. I believe (we are) rightly prioritizing investments and new ordinances that make downtown a desirable place to be for families, business owners and visitors.
Langeland: I want to maintain the character and quality of life in Zeeland. We have a vibrant downtown and wonderful residential and industrial districts.
Perkins: In serving on local boards, I’ve seen our councilmembers and staff work well together — conscientious, deliberate, and always focused on doing what’s best for residents and the community combined. I admire the way the city has managed growth while preserving Zeeland’s unique character and sense of community.
How could the city improve?
Kass: There’s certainly always room for improvement, especially in the areas of communication and transparency. I’ve wanted for a number of years now for all of our meetings to be posted on YouTube. I think this would go a long way toward combating any notion we aren’t transparent.
Bult: I believe the city is doing a fantastic job. Some changes though, will enhance the trajectory we’re on, including street lights on poorly lit roads, such as Lincoln. We currently have some great parks that could benefit from a facelift. (We should also) update the master plan to lay specific groundwork on how to handle industrial versus residential zoning.
DeBoer: I don’t think we ought to think in terms of “improving,” as if previous councilmembers didn’t get things right. I believe it’s better to constantly ask how we can continue to provide a vibrant city as we face new challenges and embrace new opportunities.
Humbert: The emphasis on discussion and data seems stagnant. Not all council decisions should require exhaustive discussion, but I think there could be better forethought on … (being) well informed. Officials could also improve how they inform citizens about what they’re discussing and how to get involved.
Langeland: No answer.
Perkins: Strengthening the connection between city leaders, residents, and local business ensures that all voices are heard and all ideas are welcomed. I would like to see even more opportunities for community members to share feedback on important issues like growth, housing, and business development.
What would your first priority be after taking office?
Kass: The safety, security and well being of our residents.
Bult: My first priority would be to learn. There’s a great deal of experience and knowledge on the current Zeeland City Council. It will be imperative to learn the ins and outs of the current master plan while understanding the needs and desires of our residents in order to adopt a new one.
DeBoer: I anticipate a sharp learning curve. I want to be available to listen to residents so I can represent their needs and concerns well.
Humbert: I’d really like to dig into working on the updated master plan. Given several major decisions have been made in opposition to the current plan, the update is far overdue. I think conducting another resident survey is crucial. Zeeland has changed significantly since 2011.
Langeland: My priorities are updating the master plan to address housing challenges, but supporting the positive and collaborative balance with industries and business.
Perkins: My first priority would be to listen — to residents, local business owners and city staff. From there, my focus will be on maintaining the city’s financial stability while planning responsibly for sustainable future growth and community needs.
What are your thoughts on the expansion/modernization of Mead Johnson?
Kass: This has been a difficult decision for me, as a member of both the Zeeland Planning Commission and Zeeland City Council. This expansion means keeping 500 jobs and more tax revenue. I want Mead Johnson here, but also want to protect the neighborhood. I was the only member of either board to vote against a rezoning request for (a property with townhomes). If an individual property owner wants to sell their property, that’s their business. However, the renters on that property had no say. I’m not in the business of aiding and abetting throwing people out of their homes.
Bult: I’m committed to ensuring that we protect and nurture that small-town, people-focused atmosphere. Natural sight and noise buffers for residents across Main Street are imperative. I also understand the potential benefits of having larger businesses, like Mead Johnson, invest in our community. It’s important that we ensure any development respects the values of our town, supports our local businesses, and contributes positively to the quality of life of our residents.
DeBoer: Mead Johnson provides a significant tax base for the city. There could be ways to expand without coming further into the residential portion of Zeeland.
Humbert: Manufacturing is a vital part of Zeeland, and the city must ensure our businesses have what they need to successfully operate, including the need to expand. Zeeland is also experiencing a housing crisis. Any decision to rezone an area, especially when it means destroying housing opportunities and community centers, must be weighed carefully. I’m very disappointed with how quickly and with almost no discussion officials approved Mead Johnson’s requests.
Langeland: The key to Mead Johnson is the site plan. Will it protect homeowners’ quality of life in regards to noise, smell, and appearance?
Perkins: Having served on the Zeeland Planning Commission, I know there are mixed feelings in the community, and I take those concerns seriously. Together, we must carefully evaluate how the expansion affects nearby residents and neighborhoods — traffic, infrastructure, overall quality of life and even aesthetics.
What are your thoughts on housing challenges in Zeeland?
Kass: I have long been a critic of housing loss in Zeeland. Every project, whether that be a church or school expansion, a business expansion, or a park expansion, has benefits. However, trying to balance those positives with the need for housing options will continue to be difficult. Overall, I think the city has done a tremendous job addressing housing options. In the last five years, we’ve added 80 or more rental units. We now allow for Accessory Dwelling Units, which allows an individual property owner to build a small, livable unit on their property. We could also consider shrinking the minimum lot size requirement and reducing setbacks from the street and neighboring properties.
Bult: Housing costs have skyrocketed across the country, and sticker shock has hit Zeeland. Revitalization downtown has led to revitalization throughout Zeeland. There will need to be strategic placement of affordable places to live while preserving historical housing and not sacrificing charm.
DeBoer: We’re a city that’s limited in space and houses. Can we explore how to achieve a balance of subsidized housing or multi-family buildings? The challenge of first-time homeowners will continue as costs increase and interest rates stay inflated.
Humbert: I’m disappointed Zeeland willingly handed Mead Johnson several key plots of housing when we’re already in short supply. I’m encouraged by newer projects, including the Sligh Building. I would like to see the city continue pursuing and encouraging creative solutions for adding housing.
Langeland: No answer.
Perkins: Housing is one of the biggest challenges facing Zeeland, as well as neighboring communities, and it impacts people across all stages of life. Demand continues to grow because Zeeland is such a desirable community, but we’re limited by available land. Change won’t happen overnight, but I believe Zeeland can address our housing challenge by encouraging responsible development that serves both current and future residents.
— Cassidey Kavathas is the politics and court reporter at The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at ckavathas@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on X and Bluesky @cassideykava.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Q&A: Here’s how all 6 candidates for Zeeland City Council answered the big questions
Reporting by Cassidey Kavathas, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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