Holland has a rich heritage of bold ideas and hard work to achieve them. There are exciting new opportunities just ahead to make this community greater for all.

VOTE BOCKS MAYOR

effective, efficient leadership

For the over 25 years I have served the Holland community in such diverse roles as Habitat for Humanity, West Coast Leadership, the Executive Committee of the Holland Classis of the Reformed Church of America, Tulip Time, and The Civic Center Place Advisory Board. More often than not, I was elected to chair the board or committee. The members recognized my ability to listen to diverse viewpoints and bring groups to agreement and action. The most recent example is Civic Center Place. As Chair of the Advisory Board and Co-chair of the Fundraising Committee I worked with community leaders, City Council and staff, and community members to help complete Civic Center Place two months ahead of schedule and under budget.

These are the gifts and skills I bring to the office of Mayor. While the Mayor has an equal vote to each member of City Council, the Mayor’s job is to help guide the council to positive decisions and outcomes for the community as a whole.

building our future

Holland is a great place to live. People want to live and work here. We have the opportunity to manage and encourage smart, dynamic growth in our residential and commercial corridors. Holland has a rich heritage of building quality public and private future-focused projects that provide positive impacts for decades to come.

We must balance upcoming opportunities for waterfront development with our need for homes at all price points.

The future of Holland is with public and private partnerships. As mayor I will continue to bring business and city leaders to the table to encourage growth in all sectors of our community.

planning ahead

During my tenure as Mayor the City Council unanimously approved a redesign and rewrite of our zoning and planning code, called the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

I focused on real estate in law school. I have practiced commercial and residential real estate law in Holland for 25 years. And I chaired the Zoning Board of Appeals in Holland. I have over 30 years of hands-on training and experience with real estate development and zoning issues.

Holland has taken full advantage of its opportunity to protect the integrity of its traditional neighborhoods while encouraging dynamic and appropriate new construction that can meet our long-term housing, retail, recreational, and industrial needs.

By working together we created a roadmap to build community and a bright future ahead.

attracting and retaining Talent

Our economy has been booming. Our employers are looking for a talented workforce to fill available jobs. In addition to an affordable home, our residents want an active, vibrant, welcoming community in which to live.

That means more dynamic projects like Holland Civic Center Place, an accessible waterfront, a world-class ice skating park in a dynamic and engaging downtown, and active parks and recreation facilities.

Holland has traditionally made smart investments in activities and infrastructure that increase the livability of our great city. Those investments have paid great dividends for Holland.

I will continue to work diligently to Maximize Livability for the people of Holland.