ZEELAND, Mich., November 8, 2023

Jacob Bonnema, Ottawa County Commissioner for the 4th District, today responded to Ottawa Impact’s decision to pay Adeline Hambley $4 million to resign.

“Today, Ottawa County residents got a raw deal. The decision by Ottawa Impact to payout Adeline Hambley goes against every principle of good governance and fiscal conservatism.”

“First, it is a severe abuse of the taxpayers, who are now compelled to pay this exorbitant settlement to one 
person and get absolutely nothing in return.”

“Second, Ottawa County taxpayers now have to pay Adeline as well as the salary of the full-time director 
who replaces her. Double pay for half the work is the pattern of behavior for staffing decisions by Ottawa 
County managers.”

“Finally, the speed at which this decision was made and the Ottawa Impact commissioner’s willingness to 
go along with this, with no checks or balances, is wholly irresponsible and begs the question, “why?” If this decision was made differently, the insurance company would have paid the fees, not the taxpayers. So, why?”

“The opportunity costs of this decision will have lasting effects, because $4 million is a lot of money! Consider what could have been done with $4 million to help our neighbors. How many roads could we have plowed? How many park paths or benches could we maintain or improve? How many sheriff cruisers could we buy or deputies could we employ to keep us safe?”

“Ottawa County needs better government. Joe Moss, Sylvia Rhodea and the Ottawa Impact commissioners promised to ‘value the People of Ottawa County above the interests of government,’ but this settlement is another failed promise.”

“We need people who will govern with the least force, use good sense and courage in decision making, honor all people equally, and reject ideology that segregates. Ottawa Impact’s actions show they care about themselves alone and will do everything in their power to protect their interests over those of the taxpayers.”