COOPERSVILLE — For almost 40 years, Ken Bush has been a constant presence in Coopersville, a dedicated public servant whose tenure has spanned roles from city councilman to mayor, shaping the community’s growth and spirit. 

Now, as his current term ends in November, the 80-year-old is stepping back, leaving behind what one longtime colleague calls a “true legacy of service.”

A timeline of dedication

Bush’s journey in public service began in 1987, when he was sworn in as a city council member. He served 11 years in that role before being appointed mayor in June 1998. 

For 15 years, Bush led the city, guiding it through periods of significant change and development. His dedication didn't end there; after his mayoral tenure, he returned to the city council for another 11 years before once again taking the helm as mayor in September 2024 for his final term. 

Reflecting on his long involvement, Bush said, "I just keep getting involved with it. When it came time for people to run, nobody would run and there would be this open spot, and I just, I couldn't let it just remain open.” 

“In fact, the first time that happened, I sat in the clerk's office until about a quarter to 5 p.m. before I turned my application in.”

Bush said he couldn't let just anyone fill the seat. 

"I just couldn't sit there ... you run for office when you're willing to serve."

‘Tireless work’ and ‘thoughtful leadership’

City Manager Dennis Luce lauded Bush’s decades of service. 

“It is with a deep sense of gratitude and admiration that I acknowledge Mayor Kenneth (Ken) Bush’s decision not to seek reelection after more than three decades of extraordinary service,” Luce said. 

“His tireless work on behalf of our residents, his calm and thoughtful leadership, and his unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community have helped shape Coopersville into the place we are proud to call home.”

Luce emphasized Bush’s consistent dedication. 

“For over 30 years, Bush has been a dedicated public servant, first as a valued member of the City Council and as our mayor,” he said.

More than just meetings

Bush’s involvement in Coopersville stretched beyond council meetings and mayoral duties. He was a long-serving member of the Fire Board, a point of pride given his background as an EMT, specialist, and paramedic for nearly 20 years before entering politics. 

He is exceptionally proud of the new fire station that was built while he was in office.

"That's just our pride of the community," Bush said regarding the new fire station, a project he heavily supported. 

Bush admits, among all the roles he served over the years, simply being someone who can aid those in need, was his favorite. 

“I actually drove the neonatal bus for a number of years. I loved transporting the babies. In fact, I used to go up to see them on my off time and hold the babies,” he said. 

Bush also serves as a lay minister at his church and serves on the board of River Village Senior Housing. 

But his heart to serve doesn’t stop there. 

Luce also highlighted Bush’s extensive volunteer work with numerous local organizations.

“Whether it was a local initiative, a citywide event, or a behind-the-scenes committee, Bush has been there offering his time, his insight, and most of all, his heart,” Luce said. 

Guiding growth, envisioning the future

During his time in office, Coopersville experienced considerable growth. Bush pointed to the construction of a new fire station as a key achievement, along with economic developments such as the expansion of Fairlife. 

Fairlife is a significant facility for the Chicago-based nutrition company that produces ultra-filtered milk and other dairy-based products. Known for its lactose-free milk with higher protein and lower sugar content compared to regular milk, Fairlife utilizes a specialized filtration process at its Coopersville plant. 

The company has grown substantially since its founding in 2012 and is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Co. Fairlife's presence in Coopersville represents a notable economic driver for the region, providing jobs and contributing to the local tax base.

"Fair Life and their expansion, it's huge," Bush said. 

Looking ahead, even as he prepares to step down, Bush remains invested in the city’s future, expressing interest in smaller housing developments, noting, "smaller-footprint houses would be ideal for seniors." 

He also discussed the ongoing Southland regional force main project.

The Southeast regional force main project is a significant infrastructure initiative in West Michigan designed to enhance wastewater treatment capacity and support economic growth, particularly in the agricultural sector. 

The primary goal of the project is to redirect wastewater from the Coopersville Wastewater Treatment Plant in northern Ottawa County to the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center. This will provide the additional wastewater capacity needed to accommodate the continued growth of food processing companies and other businesses in the region, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

“His depth of knowledge about our community and its inner workings is unmatched,” Luce said. “He has consistently led with integrity, humility and a clear vision for the future of Coopersville. His ability to listen, build consensus, and work across a wide range of perspectives has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and citizens alike.”

A personal connection

Bush’s connection to Coopersville runs deep. He initially came to the city while working for an ambulance service and met his wife while teaching a rescue squad class. 

Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Bush shared, "One of the students in that class ended up being my wife for 42 years now."

A fond farewell

As Bush’s final term draws to a close, his impact on Coopersville is undeniable. 

“As city manager, I have been privileged to work alongside him and witness firsthand the profound impact of his leadership,” Luce said. 

“Though he may be stepping down from his official duties, his legacy will endure in the parks, policies, and programs he helped champion and in the lives of those he has touched along the way.”

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Luce concluded: “I thank Mayor Bush immensely for his service, his dedication, and his steadfast love for Coopersville. Bush will be greatly missed in office, but his presence and influence will remain with us for years to come.”

Beyond his long career in local government, Bush’s life is rich with family. He and his wife, Tricia, share six children, and their family has grown to include 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.