OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – Four candidates are running to become the next Ottawa County commissioner for District 10, one of the northernmost areas of the county. The district is currently represented by Republican Roger Bergman, who announced last year he would not be seeking reelection. District 10 covers the cities of Grand Haven and Ferrysburg, along with most of Spring Lake Township.
There are two Democrats running for the Board of Commission seat, along with two Republicans in the Tuesday, Aug. 6 primary election. The winners of each party’s primary will face off in the November general election.
The Democratic candidates are Oliver Shampine and Douglas VanBennekom, and the Republican candidates are Josh Brugger and Jason Koert. Brugger is endorsed Bergman. RELATED: Moderate Republican on Ottawa County board won’t seek reelection Brugger, 46, is a former Grand Haven city council member.
He is a businessowner and licensed general contractor, and currently serves as the chairperson of the Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Economic Development Corporation, according to his campaign website. Koert, 45, owned and operated a local carpet and duct cleaning service for the last 10 years, which he sold in 2023. Prior to that, he worked in automotive sales, as a fitness club director and in telecommunications.
He has previously served on the Wyoming/Kentwood Chamber of Commerce retention committee and was an ambassador with the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce. Sham.