2024 Republican Voter Guide – Newaygo County
PRESIDENT
- Donald J. Trump
U.S. Senate (Vote for not more than 1)
- Sherry O’Donnell
- Mike Rogers
- Justin Amash
U.S. Congress, 2nd District (Vote for not more than 1)
- John R. Moolenaar
MI State Legislature (Vote for not more than 1)
- Joseph D. Fox
- Brandon Scott McDonald
NEWAYGO COUNTY:
Prosecuting Attorney (Vote for not more than 1)
- Rachel Robinson
Sherriff (Vote for not more than 1)
- Adam Mercer
- Bob Mendham
Clerk (Vote for not more than 1)
- Jason VanderStelt
- April Pickard
Treasurer (Vote for not more than 1)
- Jason O’Connell
Register of Deeds (Vote for not more than 1)
- Stewart Sanders
- Kelly Pangburn
Drain Commissioner (Vote for not more than 1)
- Dale E. Twing
- Adam Campbell
- Morgan Heinzman
County Commissioner 7th District (Vote for not more than 1)
- Mike Kruithof
(This guide covers federal, state and county elections only. It does not include city, township, township proposals or school boards elections. Please see your township and/or city clerk for related ballot information.)
Also on the ballot:
Michigan Supreme Court Justice (vote for two)
*Two Michigan Supreme Court seats will be up for election this fall, one for a full term and one for a partial term.
- Kyra Harris Bolden – Democrat and Whitmer appointee
- Kimberly Ann Thomas – Democrat and Whitmer appointee
- Republican nominees will be determined at the Republican State Convention on August 15th.
VETTING:
Vetting Information is taken from www.ivoterguide.com, a Conservative political watchdog. Candidates are rated on a scale of 1-4; 1 – moderate; 2 – Conservative Leaning; 3 – Conservative; 4 – Verified Conservative.
U.S. Senate (Vote for not more than 1)
- Sherry O’Donnell: ivoterguide score 3
Ms. O’Donnell completed ivoterguide’s questionnaire and all answers were veryconservative. Please check the website to see her complete answers.
- Sandy Pensler: ivoterguide score 2.5
(Mr. Pensler did not answer the questionnaire.)
- Mike Rogers: ivoterguide score 3
(Mr. Rogers did not answer the questionnaire. He has endorsements from Donald Trump, SEAL PAC and others.)
- Justin Amash ivoterguide score 2
(Mr. Amash did not answer the questionnaire. Note: Rep. Amash voted in 2017 against Hartzler amendment to de-fund “sex change” surgery for military personnel. Amash was the only Republican to vote in 2017 against Kate’s Law (H.R. 3004) in the House. Kate’s Law protects public safety by enhancing penalties for deported felons who return to the United States.)
Michigan State Legislature (vote for not more than 1)
- Joseph D. Fox ivoterguide score 4
Rep. Fox completed the questionnaire and has received the very highest score from ivoterguide.
- Brandon Scott McDonald ivoterguide score 1
Mr. McDonald gave no information to ivoterguide.
County Candidates Questionnaire Response:
SHERIFF:
Adam Mercer – Answers to questionnaire as follows:
- What are your qualifications to be Sheriff?
24 total years of law enforcement experience including marine patrol, school resource, road patrol, undercover narcotics, SWAT, detective/sergeant, cold case, road sergeant, FBI Domestic Terrorism Task Force Liaison. 23 years at Newaygo County S.O. and 1 at Kent County S.O. 15 years spent as a sergeant supervising and leading deputies.
- Why are you the best person for the job?
Hands on leadership experience with positive feedback from dozens of cops on the effectiveness of my leadership style. Willingness to make difficult decisions and do difficult things when necessary (integrity). Ability to work with the 4 police chiefs in Newaygo County. Ability to be honest even if its not what somebody wants to hear, and/or if it means admitting fault.
- Do your values more consistently align with the Republican (Conservative) or Democrat (Liberal/Progressive) policies? Conservative Republican
- What do you think is the number one thing that needs to change at the sheriff’s department and how would you change it?
The command staff from sheriff down to road patrol and detective sergeants. Those that are doing a good job, I will urge them to continue doing so. Those that are salvageable, but need some work, I will set priorities and expectations for them along with in-house and outside leadership training. Others who are beyond help will have changes to their assignment to stop damaging the staff and department’s reputation. To cite 2 of the current NCSO Sergeants, the biggest problem is the inconsistent treatment of employees. This includes many topics including discipline and recognition.
- Explain your position on Second Amendment rights:
I am a gun owner and a supporter of the 2nd amendment. Sheriff’s departments are NOT extensions of state or federal government, and we will not unreasonably violate anyone’s 2A rights including weapons seizures.
- What steps will you take to ensure the privacy and rights of citizens are respected?
The 4th amendment provides protection against unreasonable government searches and seizures. We will not do searches unless the law allows it and we will not unreasonably arrest or detain people.
- Additional Comments
I urge anyone who is unsure who to vote for as sheriff this year to ask a local police officer, police chief, trooper, sheriff’s deputy, or one of the 30-40 NCSO jail, road patrol, or animal control officers who have resigned in the last 8 years what their opinions are on the topic. Adam Mercer
ABSENTEE BALLOT:
To apply, you can:
- Request a ballot online by 5 p.m. the Friday before an election. (That means by 5 p.m. on Aug. 2 for the Aug. 6 primary, and by 5 p.m. on Nov. 1 for the Nov. 5 general election.)
- Request a ballot in person from your city or township clerk’s office by 4 p.m. the Monday before an election. (That means by 4 p.m. on Aug. 5 for the Aug. 6 primary, and by 4 p.m. on Nov. 4 for the Nov. 5 general election)
- Contact your local clerk and requesting an application be mailed to you
- Voters with disabilities can also apply online for an accessible electronic absentee voter ballot which can be completed electronically, printed and returned to their local clerk
- Download an application and returning it by mail or in person with your local clerk
IMPORTANT DATES:
July 27: Nine days of early voting before the primary begins
Aug. 4: Last day of early voting.
Aug. 6: Primary election. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters in line at 8 p.m. can still cast ballots.
Oct. 24: Nine days of early voting must begin for general election
Nov. 3: Last day of early voting
Nov. 5: General election. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters in line at 8 p.m. can still cast ballots.