Beggs challenges Byl in County Commission District 5 race.

Beggs challenges Byl in County Commission District 5 race.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

Tim Beggs is challenging Larry Byl in the primary election Tuesday, Aug. 6, for county commissioner of District 5, which includes Benona, Claybanks and Golden townships.

Beggs and Byl are both Republicans.

OCP sent the candidates questionnaires seeking biographical information, and the following information was provided by each candidate:

Tim Beggs

Tim Beggs, 40, and wife Jennifer have six children — Hannah, Makenna, Maverick, Lincoln, Walker and Emmalyse.

He is the operations officer at Mears Service Center in Mears. Previously, Beggs was an automotive technician at Sears Auto Center in Lima, Ohio; served as part-time supervisor for UPS in Taylor, Pennsylvania; and was youth pastor at Calvary Bible Church in Norton Shores.

“I am an involved citizen of this great country who has used my right to be educated about the issues at hand and vote my conscience in every election. I have held no other positions or office.

“I am a proud member of the Oceana County Sheriff’s Reserve. I actively volunteer in many roles from crowd control at the county fair, parades and other community events as well as provide assistance to road patrol deputies at various times. I am also active in our local church including many years of church board and chairman of board duties.

A 1998 Hart High School Graduate, Beggs attended Northwestern University in Lima, Ohio where he received a diploma in automotive repair technology. He also has a bachelor’s of science in biblical studies from Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.

What is the single most important issue facing our county and what do you plan to do to address it?  

While I have been concerned about this issue for a few years, now more than ever, we need to ensure our law enforcement officers have the training, knowledge and equipment required to keep evil at bay. Training is expensive but so are lawsuits and funerals. We owe it to the men and women, who have answered the call to bring law and order to our county, to ensure they have everything they need to complete that mission and go home safe to their families every day just like we do. It is my mission to be an advocate for our sheriff’s department. They need our support more now than ever!

Larry Byl

Larry Byl, 63, and his wife Ann, have been married 41 years. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

A Shelby High School graduate, Byl graduated from Hope College in 1979.

He is a real estate broker, former asparagus farmer, rental manager, Shelby Bank director and Oceana County commissioner.

Civic organizations include: New Era Reformed Church Deacon Chair, Shelby Rotary Club, MSU Extension Advisory Committee, Silver Lake and Stony Lake Improvement Boards, Oceana County Economic Alliance, Michigan Works Board for six-county region.

What is the single most important issue facing our county and what do you plan to do to address it?  

Economics and health are currently the most important issues in the county. The county board needs to have a balanced approach with the different departments within the county when next year’s budget is developed. There will be a reduction in state revenue, and there is the expectation of the same level of services. I am concerned that a certain department may be given preferential treatment with three sheriff’s posse members running for commission seats. We need a balanced approach.

I am concerned there will be a major change in the county board composition with four current members not running this year. Change can be good and refreshing, but experience is also important.

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