Democracy in America: Can the exhausted, angry people of Ottawa County learn to live together?
A battle between conservative Christians and government officials in Ottawa County, Michigan highlights the challenges of deep partisan divisions in America.
In Ottawa County, Michigan, a battle is raging between the new conservative Christian majority on the county board and Adeline Hambley, the health officer who runs the county’s health department. The board has been trying to remove Hambley, whom they see as an instrument of government tyranny, but her job comes with protections that make it difficult. The conflicts in Ottawa County mirror the deep partisan divisions that are making it harder for American government to function and its citizens to coexist. This article explores the challenges faced by Ottawa County and the broader implications for American democracy.
The Ideological Fights in Ottawa County
The hard-right Republicans on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, who swept into office last year, have been clashing with more moderate GOP incumbents over issues such as climate change, racial equity, gender-affirming care, guns, immigration, and abortion. These ideological battles have paralyzed Congress, pitted red and blue states against each other, and even consumed local government, with the health department at the center of the storm in Ottawa County.
The Battle Against Adeline Hambley
The conservative commissioners on the board have accused Adeline Hambley, the health officer, of supporting mask mandates and pushing unproven and unsafe coronavirus vaccines. They see her as a threat to their conservative Christian values and have been trying to remove her from her position. Hambley, on the other hand, sees her role as looking after the health and safety of all county residents, regardless of their moral or political beliefs. The battle between Hambley and the board has led to a stalemate, forcing both sides to consider whether they can find a way to coexist.
Paying a Premium to Remove Hambley
The board proposed paying Hambley $4 million to leave, but later backed out due to concerns about the county’s bond rating and finances. Negotiations between the two sides have been ongoing, with offers and counteroffers being made. The proposed settlement would have allowed Hambley to keep her job and pay her legal fees, but she rejected it, wanting guarantees of her independence and authority as county health officer. The failed negotiations have left both sides at a standstill, with no clear resolution in sight.
The Fallout and Turmoil
The battle between the board and Hambley has taken a toll on the health department and the county as a whole. The department has seen a significant number of retirements and departures, affecting its ability to deliver services. Programs such as Ottawa Food, which provided food assistance to low-income residents, have been suspended due to funding cuts and political infighting. The strain on relationships within the county, including between board members and their own families, has further deepened the divisions.
Stirrings of Hope for Coexistence
Despite the ongoing conflict, there are some signs of hope for a resolution. Doug Zylstra, the lone Democrat on the board, has suggested a temporary truce and has been working towards finding a compromise. A judge has ordered both sides to meet with a mediator and try to reach a deal. While the deep divisions and mistrust won’t be easily resolved, there is a growing recognition that coexistence may be the only viable option. An uneasy truce may be the first step towards healing the county and finding a way forward.
Conclusion: The battle between the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners and Adeline Hambley highlights the challenges of deep partisan divisions in America. The conflicts over ideological issues have consumed local government and made it difficult for government officials and citizens to coexist. The ongoing stalemate in Ottawa County raises important questions about the future of American democracy and the need for finding common ground in the face of deep divisions. As the county grapples with these challenges, the hope for a resolution and a path forward lies in the recognition that coexistence may be the only way to move beyond the current impasse.