EDITOR'S NOTE: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer and not of Ottawa News Network.

I recently attended a Lenten book study at church where we read “A Faith of Many Rooms” by Debi Thomas.

One discussion centered around paradoxes in the Christian faith and paradoxes in our daily lives. There was intense discussion around how to “live into” accepting many perspectives, approaching folks fundamentally different than ourselves, finding joy in those with whom we might vehemently disagree. After class, I read The Holland Sentinel article "'Moss Derangement Syndrome,' letters to GVSU cloud committee meeting in Ottawa County” — and thought about all of the paradoxes in the article. 

Commissioner Joe Moss attended an anti-transgender rally at GVSU, carrying a gun in his belt, in violation of GVSU policy around weapons on campus. After the event, Moss (District 5) sent a letter to GVSU President Philomena Mantella on county letterhead expressing demands “to protect the safety and civil rights of (the) individuals” who visit GVSU, and to comply with recent federal executive orders.

In total, he requested the school "take all necessary steps to shut down" DEI initiatives, discontinue "segregated graduation celebrations," recognize "biological reality and the differences between men and women," and to add concealed carry exemptions "for peace officers and (licensed individuals)." Mr. Moss chose to use county letterhead as the vehicle for his demands, implying county policy and perspective. Subsequent to Mr. Moss’ letter, Commissioners Sylvia Rhodea and Allison Miedema sent letters to GVSU with similar language on letterhead. 

County residents expressed concern over misuse of official county communications methods. Commissioners Moss, Rhodea and Miedema were expressing personal opinions — not county policy. The commission has no responsibility for policy, procedure, or curriculum at GVSU — yet the commissioners saw fit to express their personal opinions on letterhead. Why? These commissioners frequently lecture on First Amendment rights to speech and protest, yet feel it necessary to throw additional weight around via their elected status. Paradoxical. 

At the Planning and Policy Committee meeting April 10, Mrs. Rhodea dismissed the letters as a “non-issue,” saying the board was “getting all worked up over silliness” and “suffering from Moss Derangement Syndrome.” Interesting.

Last time we heard about a “Derangement Syndrome” in Ottawa County, it came from John Gibbs, former county administrator, hired by Moss and Rhodea, who coined the phrase “Ottawa Derangement Disorder” to describe anyone who questioned the actions of the Ottawa Impact majority board from 2023-2024. Gibbs was fired after pointing out gross incompetence on the part of Kallman Legal Group and board members — was he suffering from Moss Derangement Syndrome? Or was it Ottawa Derangement Disorder? Or was he correct? 

Mrs. Rhodea’s dismissive rhetoric around those who might question her actions is quite paradoxical. She was adamant in the previous full board meeting that she was representing constituents in questioning several contracts the county had entered into; yet, when constituents question her actions or the actions of Moss, they are suffering from mental illness? Seems paradoxical.

When one resorts to the “calm down” response to an issue, it is tantamount to an admission of guilt. Mrs. Rhodea knows she was wrong to use letterhead; deflection is cheap.

Moss, Rhodea and Miedema are elected commissioners in a democracy. All three have consistently dismissed questions from constituents and denigrated those who might be in opposition to any given position they hold. This level of disrespect and animosity towards the participation of the American public in political discourse is fundamentally opposed to their position as a leader in a democracy.

I urge these commissioners to reflect on their attitudes towards constituents, especially those whom they represent, despite policy disagreement. 

— Kim Nagy is a resident of Jenison.

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