Ottawa County Commissioner Lucy Ebel is the target of a recall, but Commissioner Ebel is not afraid. With her faith in God and supporters standing behind her, Commissioner Ebel will continue to be consistent in her character, and stand for the values she campaigned on; faith, family, and freedom. Commissioner Ebel, who represents District 2 (Holland Township/Park Township), is the first Latina Ottawa County Commissioner.
By law, July 3, 2023, was the first day a recall petition could be filed, and the petition was ready to go exactly on July 3rd. According to the petition, “On February 28, 2023, Commissioner Lucy Ebel voted for a motion to correct the previous board of commissioner’s December 13, 2022, resolution that appointed Adeline Hambley as Administrative Health Officer for Ottawa County. Commissioner Ebel voted for the motion after Ms. Hambley challenged in court the commissioner’s designation of her status as Interim Health Officer.”
It appears Commissioner Ebel is being targeted not because she did something illegal, violated board policy, or did something immoral, but simply because leftist activists do not like the way she voted. A hearing is scheduled for July 17, 2023, and if the petition is accepted a signature campaign will follow with a later election if enough signatures are gathered.
A diverse group of supporters stood behind Commissioner Ebel on July 5, 2023, as she addressed the community.
Cindy Amante, State Director for the Hispanic outreach organization Proposito stated, “They made an attack on the Latino community, and we will not stand for it. Out of all the Ottawa County commissioners, they decided to recall the first Hispanic woman to be voted onto the board. [] The Democrats are singlehandedly working to take away the Latino voice. We stand for faith, family, finances and freedom. [] This is the moment that the Democrats showed their true colors. [] They only pretend to appreciate what we stand for in order to get votes. Once we start speaking out, they do all they can to silence us. We will not let them silence us.”
Another supporter, Marco Bulnes, a Hispanic businessman spoke on Commissioner Ebel’s behalf. “She is a strong woman with high virtues. [] What she stands for is not some Hispanic agenda, but the same American ideals that emboldened our founding fathers; integrity, honor, character, honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, fidelity, fairness, self-control, and prudence. [] Lucy Ebel is a woman who believes in the promises made in our founding documents. America, is a country where all who live here are free to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. Our government cannot give, nor even assure receipt of these goals and dreams, only that we will be FREE to pursue them by the strength of our hands and the sweat of our brow.” He then added, “It’s important to realize how much effort it takes to run for office. [] Imagine how difficult it is to win an election, and do what’s right, and then you get attacked for it.”
Then Commissioner Ebel addressed the recall. “When I was campaigning, I knocked on a lot of doors. [] It’s because of them [the people] that I stood up. It’s for them that I’m standing up. It’s not about me. [] God is just looking for a few good women and men to stand up. [] I’m just a regular resident of Ottawa County.”
“God did not bring us this far just to leave us or forsake us. He does not give his people the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Remember, there are more fighting for us than against us. So why should we be afraid. We will be strong in grace. We will not be afraid. We will not be discouraged, for the Lord our God is with us wherever we go.”
“Together we will make Ottawa County the shining light on the hill.”