Endorsements

I would like to thank the following individuals for endorsing my work within the community and as a Trustee of Ada Township.  I promise to continue to keep your trust and work diligently to make Ada the best possible place to live do business and enjoy all that our community has to offer!

Dave Hildenbrand - State Representative District 86

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my support of Mr. John Westra... Mr. Westra has shown himself to be a truly outstanding leader... Mr. Westra recognizes the important issues facing us in the years ahead... Whether Mr. Westra is being a role model to his soccer students as a YMCA/AYSO soccer coach or as a role model to the elected officials he serves with... Mr. Westra is a true leader... In light of his outstanding personal and professional qualities, I am proud to recommend Mr. John Westra..."

Garry Rolls - Kent County Commissioner

“John Westra is a committed servant as Ada Township Trustee. John has worked hard on the Board of Trustees and has been fiscally responsible to the tax payers. He is very active in our community, promotes local business and genuinely cares about Ada and it’s success.”

Paul Mayhue - Kent County Commissioner

“The Voters in your area must be proud to have a person such as Mr. Westra to look out for their financial concerns. I have known John for a few years and from time to time we fellowship together over breakfast about community issues. We are on the opposite sides of the political spectrum, however that does not deter me in my respect for the work that John can do and has done for his constituents and the community as a whole.”

Ginger Soles - Former Assessing Director, Ada Township

“John Westra is a dedicated professional individual that takes great care and pride in his community. As Township Trustee, put into place by the voters of Ada Township in 2004, Mr. Westra serves the general public with a sense of enthusiasm. His focus to represent his constituents is his main goal. He takes the time as a leader to listen to the issues; moreover, takes the necessary steps to set the wheels in motion to make the right things happen. If you are looking for a candidate that will represent your best interest, I would highly recommend Mr. John Westra.”

Robert Agee - Founding Resident, Adacroft Commons

"As a member of the original Adacroft Commons Board and having lived in Ada/Adacroft for 36 years, I am pleased to endorse John Westra...  As President of Adacroft Commons for four years, John did more for our community than anyone else I've known."

Betsy Davidson - Owner, Postal Connections

"...You never have to guess where John stands on an idea or issue, and I think that that trait is hard to find nowadays.  As a business that services the shipping industry, I appreciate the work John did to assist in the Zip Code change taking place (from parts of 49546 to 49301), and think that it will have a positive effect on the area.  I’m glad he’s running for trustee.  I believe that John is a stand-up guy that brings a welcome, strong voice to the township of Ada."

Walt Gorak - Parks & Trails Committee Member

"I was encouraged to hear that John was running for office.  During the time we served on the Ada Township Parks and Trails Committee, John's attitude was positive and his energy level high.  John demonstrated a common sense blend of proactive dynamics to make things happen, while balancing others views and values.  John's character and continuous improvement philosophy will serve the township well.  I look forward to John helping make Ada Township a better place to live."

Steve Crandal - Owner, Crandal Office Furniture, Inc.

"I first met John as volunteer coach for my son's soccer team.  Over the next number of years both of my sons learned the game under John's guidance as coach for the YMCA and later for AYSO.  John's positive can do attitude was transferred to his players through his hands on high energy approach to coaching.  John made sure that all of his players knew he had high expectations for them which ultimately became the players expectations for themselves.  It was great to see this instilled self esteem positively effect my sons lives far beyond the soccer field.  I have no doubt that John will bring his infectious energy and can do attitude to the Ada Township Board."

Mark Lutkenhoff- President, Clements Mill Condo Association

"I am happy to endorse John Westra...  I had the opportunity to work with John on the 49301 zip code change.  John provided very useful information and statistics for our residents to review prior to the Post Office survey.  I am confident John will serve our community well."

Rob Carpenter - Former VP, Adacroft Commons Association

"Seeing the many things that the Adacroft Board accomplished under John's leadership, during my two years as Vice President, was a gratifying experience.  John's drive and enthusiasm can only bring good things to the entire community of Ada."

Jay Turpin - Former Director, Camp Manitou-lin

"As Director of a non-profit organization in support of youth, we are happy to have someone like John Westra on our Board.  John's enthusiasm, business sense and ability to get things done have saved our organization thousands of dollars.  We are currently in the process of implementing a web-based communication solution, developed by John, that will significantly enhance our ability to communicate and collaborate with board members, volunteers and staff."

Don Anderson - Next Door Neighbor

"As president of the Adacroft Association, John showed great leadership in moving the Association into the 21st century. John worked tirelessly to protect the property values of all of us in Adacroft and I would expect him to take that to the next level in Ada township."

Gerard Wood - Former Board Member, Adacroft Commons

"John has demonstrated commitment to the community and has shown great passion towards civic responsibility in his role as President of the Adacroft Commons Association Board...  His foresight into issues has been appreciated, including supporting us in the relocation of a "Emergency Warning Siren" from our backyard to a more appropriate location."

Victor Goldschmidt - Leelanau Township Trustee

"I have known John for approximately the last two years. We have been co-participants in various events organized by the Michigan Township Association (MTA), MSU Extension, and others.... We have had considerable exchanges, including being part of working teams together... John has also been a participant in a workshop I conducted, giving me an even broader perspective of his capabilities....

John Westra understands the opportunities and challenges of local government. He is familiar with governing "Public Acts" and general resources for local units of government; he also understands budgets and budgeting processes.

*  John is committed to excellence in local government. He embraces communication with constituents... He has constantly exhibited vision, and challenges others to improve units of government. Even now he is  working with legislators in Lansing to enable legislation to facilitate electronic communication in local government activities.

*  John is a hard worker, but also able to have fun. He owns a successful business while also going well beyond the call in his service to his own township...  He has an ability to be multi-tasked while also being effective in individual tasks.

*  He also sets high standards for himself, and has an ability to simultaneously inspire and enable others willing to do likewise.

I have personally witnessed the above. I realize it sounds unusual, but so is John. On a personal note, prior to moving to Leelanau Township (where I currently serve as a Township Board Trustee), I served in many search committees, and also had quite a few reporting to me. This placed me in the process of reading through dossiers (and the unavoidable letters of references), interviewing, as well as making the final decision. John is the kind of person I would have loved to have in my department."