Lakeshore sheriffs endorse DeBoer, but OCSO staff back Anderson

OTTAWA COUNTY — In a two-man race to be the next Ottawa County Sheriff, one candidate has the support of the region's law enforcement leaders, while the other has support from the county’s law enforcement personnel.

Candidates include Undersheriff Eric DeBoer and Interim County Administrator Jon Anderson. a retired captain. The winner in the Aug. 6 primary will be the only name presented on the November ballot.

Sheriffs in each of the municipality's neighboring counties have come out in support of DeBoer, but employee unions from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office have elected to support Anderson.

DeBoer has received endorsements from retiring Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker, Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young, Allegan County Sheriff Frank Baker and Muskegon County Sheriff Michael Poulin.

Each cited DeBoer’s experience with OCSO and service to the county in their endorsements.

“He has the local, Michigan experience needed to understand the nature and people of the counties we serve,” Baker wrote. “That is a vital quality in providing efficient and timely service to our residents.”

More: Our go-to guide for races in Ottawa, Allegan counties

DeBoer called the endorsements “gratifying and significant.”

“During my career in West Michigan, I have worked with all three departments," DeBoer wrote in a release. "They and I know that regional cooperation is critical to combating criminals and serving our communities."

Those working in DeBoer’s department, however, have voiced support for Anderson. Each of OCSO’s three unions — the Ottawa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Correctional Deputies’ Union and the Sergeant’s Union — have pledged support for him.

In a letter to Anderson, posted on Facebook, OCDSA said 90% of its union members voted in his favor.

“This resounding show of confidence from our members speaks volumes about the trust and respect we have in your ability to lead the men and women of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office,” OCDSA President Joe Walker wrote. “Your commitment to upholding the integrity, fairness, and dedication to public service has not gone unnoticed.”

Anderson posted on Facebook that he’s “extremely honored” to receive the support of the unions.

Anderson has also been endorsed by Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy and Riverside County, California, Sheriff Chad Bianco. Anderson spent his law enforcement career in Riverside County.

Subscribe: Receive unlimited access to your local news coverage

DeBoer was appointed undersheriff by Kempker earlier this year after Valerie Weiss announced her retirement. DeBoer joined OCSO as a reserve deputy in 1999 and has held several roles in the department since.

Anderson was made interim county administrator on March 12. He co-owns Bullet Hole Firearms and Training in Holland and is a retired sheriff's commander with 32 years of law enforcement experience in a variety of roles.

Absentee ballots are currently available and in-person early voting will run July 27-Aug. 4.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Lakeshore sheriffs endorse DeBoer, but OCSO staff back Anderson