Hodges, Hoekstra run for village president.

Hoekstra

Hodges, Hoekstra run for village president.

#Election2016 #Pentwater

PENTWATER — Two village residents, Jeffrey Allen Hodges and Daniel D. Hoekstra, Sr. are running in Tuesday’s general election, Nov. 8, for the office of Pentwater Village president, which was vacated by long-time Village President Juanita Pierman. Pierman is running for a seat on the council among five candidates for three open spots in the non-partisan election.

Also running for three council seats are Michelle Angell-Powell, Pamela Burdick, Dan Nugent and Don Palmer.

OCP sent questionnaires to the two Pentwater Village president candidates.

Hoekstra:

Occupational history:
Retired from General Motors with 33 years seniority in 2009. I rose to the position of Senior Die Set Supervisor. After GM, my wife and I opened Silver Hills Antiques at Gustafson’s. We have been operating for eight years.

Military Service:
US Navy, 1975-1977 Seaman Signalman E-3, assigned to USS Pawcatuck, AO-108.

Educational background:
Graduated from Catholic Central in Grand Rapids, 1974.
Graduated with an associate’s degree in business from Davenport College
General Motors certificates in team building, supervision school, and leadership training.

Memberships, elected positions, community activity:
Current: Pentwater Village Council, five years.
Vice chairman planning commission
Present chairman of buildings and grounds, personnel committee, ordinance committee
Former chairman of the ordinance committee.
Pentwater Chamber of Commerce, two years, treasurer one year.
Member of: Pentwater Service Club, Pentwater Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, attend First Baptist Church in Pentwater.

Are you originally from this area? If not, when and why did you move here?

My wife, Lin, and I live in the village home of her deceased parents, which they purchased in 1965. I started coming to Pentwater in 1993. After retiring from General Motors in 2009, I moved to Pentwater permanently and we opened Silver Hills Antiques at Gustafson’s. We love this village and have embraced the warmth of the community.

What is the job of the president of the Village of Pentwater?

It’s the privilege of the president to represent and work with the greater village community: which includes full- and part-time residents, civil workers, business owners, law enforcement and state agencies. If elected as president, I will listen to, respond to, and advocate for the needs of this diverse population. I will work steadfastly with leaders and community members to maintain the heritage and integrity of the village, while embracing its changing landscape. The office mandates that the president assigns committees and sets the agenda for the village council.

What is the greatest challenge that you see for Pentwater in the next five years?

Our community will be facing the challenges of maintaining and improving the infrastructure of our streets, sidewalks, sewer and water systems within our budget. Creating affordable and quality living accommodations for seniors is imperative. As I have served in the past, I will be committed to making Pentwater safe and welcoming for all. Other challenges will be the fiscal responsibility of dredging, the park system, and supporting our police department. I’m excited about the prospect of serving as village president. I have a passion for the welfare of this dynamic, enchanting village and want to lead Pentwater into the future.

Hodges:

Hodges did not respond to OCP’s multiple requests for candidate information.