Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce Endorses Jim Haadsma • October 20, 2010

Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce Endorses Jim Haadsma for Calhoun County Commission

On October 20, 2010 The Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced today that it has publicly endorsed the following candidates for the upcoming November general election:

Calhoun County Board of Commissioners

Jim Haadsma (District 3)

The Battle Creek Enquirer Editorial Page Official Endorsement • October 19, 2010

Enquirer endorses Jim Haadsma for Calhoun County board

In District 3, we think Democratic incumbent JAMES HAADSMA should be re-elected to the county board. During his first term on the board, Haadsma has proven himself to be a quick study in how county government operates and an independent thinker. Haadsma doesn’t hesitate to raise questions and has reached out to various constituencies when they have sought help with different issues.

Haadsma’s Republican opponent, Chip Spranger, has a solid record of community service. Having been a member of the Springfield City Council, he understands the complexities of balancing a budget and the need to be responsive to the people.

Nonetheless, Haadsma has shown leadership and a common-sense approach to government that warrant voters giving him a second term.

Letters to the Editor from the Battle Creek Enquirer:

October 16, 2010
Your Opinion: Jim Haadsma gets things done

I met Jim Haadsma eight years ago when I was working with the NAACP of Battle Creek. I have always admired him for the work he has done for this community. Whenever I need someone to be a voice, Jim is the person I can turn to.

I am the property manager of Glenwood Trace apartments here in Battle Creek. A year ago, I became concerned about some mold issues here at the complex, but after someone from the city came to look at it, we heard nothing.

Fast forward a year when we experienced the oil spill in July. We are on the banks of the Kalamazoo River. After two weeks, no one from Enbridge had contacted us and the smell was getting worse. I was becoming increasingly concerned about our residents.

Jim noticed the mold problems when he was here responding to my concerns about the oil smell. He reported his concerns to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the attorney general’s office and Battle Creek’s Code Compliance Department, who then took action by shutting down certain units.

Jim didn’t stop. He followed up to make sure that those residents who were required to vacate found alternative housing options.

He’s an outstanding county commissioner, a real advocate for the citizens of Calhoun County who are inside and outside his district, regardless of their income levels. He fights to make government accountable. He’s a dear friend, and someone I can always trust to get things done.

Debbie Crawford
Battle Creek

More letters:

October 12, 2010
Your Opinion: Need to re-elect Jim Haadsma to board

I am writing this letter to thank my county commissioner, Jim Haadsma, for his service to the community while serving on the county commission. I’m concerned about our county having enough money to pay for things like road maintenance, the sheriff’s department and the county health department when there’s less money to go around.

Jim has been standing up for responsible budgeting on the board since he’s been on it, voting no on raises for higher-paid county employees when layoffs and budget cuts are being made. When it comes to the county commission, we are better off when the person knows and understands the issues affecting us locally, and you couldn’t do any better than Jim Haadsma for that job. It is obvious Jim should be re-elected to the 3rd District seat on the county commission. Jim is the only man for it and we are lucky he’s willing to take it on.

Carol Einhardt
Battle Creek

And this:

October 11, 2010
Your Opinion: Jim Haadsma is true public servant

My county commissioner, Jim Haadsma, recently came to my door. It was the first time in the many years I’ve lived here that an elected official has ever come to visit me personally.

Jim is heartfelt in his concern for this community. He has worked very hard, both as a commissioner and a friend to the people of Battle Creek. He understands how important senior services are for the older citizens of this community. He’s looking out for the poor and for new economic opportunities for the area.

Seldom does a true public servant like Jim Haadsma come along. We need to keep him on the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners when we vote this fall.

Connie Zimmerman
Battle Creek

And this:

October 9, 2010
Your Opinion: Keep Jim Haadsma on county board

Jim Haadsma is my county commissioner, and I am writing to implore my neighbors in the 3rd District to keep it that way. Rare is the elected official who is willing to work as hard as he does to understand and advocate for the people, but Jim is one you can count on to be there.

He understands that decreases in property tax revenues means the county has to tighten its purse strings. That was evident when he stood up against the $3,000 bonus and 3 percent salary increase for a county administrator. He monitors spending, and he cares about county issues and knows them well.

Jim has proven that he’s the best person to continue to represent us on the board of commissioners.

Robert McMurtrie
Battle Creek

And this:

October 4, 2010
Your Opinion: Voters need to keep Jim Haadsma

I want to ask District 3 voters to cast their vote to keep Jim Haadsma on the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners. I can’t imagine anyone more knowledgeable about Calhoun County. He cares about seniors and supported the Senior Millage.

While at the Glenwood Trace apartment complex looking at the river, he noticed decrepit living conditions, reported to the city and followed through to see that those tenants found new apartments.

He really cares about the people of this county! He is visible in the community and responds to citizens when they call him. Let’s keep him. We need him.

Nick Krstev
Battle Creek

More:

September 23, 2010
Your Opinions: Keep Jim Haadsma on county board

I support Jim Haadsma for re-election to the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners. He’s the hardest-working man I know. The citizens of District 3 are lucky to have a man like Jim Haadsma to go to bat for them. He serves on county committees and nonprofit boards, and anytime you talk to him, he knows what’s going on with things from drainage issues to county road maintenance to the oil spill.

Just watch him on the county board meetings broadcast on AccessVision. He asks the tough questions, isn’t afraid to disagree and knows the issues. Jim Haadsma never gives up, and we need to keep Haadsma on the board of commissioners.

Nathan Whittaker
Battle Creek