Two different approaches
Open the full-size campaign graphic
Joe Moss: “Leadership”
Ottawa County already saw what that looked like.
MI-89 doesn’t need the sequel.
Real leadership for a stronger MI-89.
Meegan Zickus — State House District 89.
People over politics. A stronger MI-89.
Read the report behind this graphic →
Campaign graphic. Read the public-record context and linked news reports below.
Meegan Zickus
Meegan’s current campaign materials emphasize affordability, education, healthcare, listening, consensus-building, and practical solutions.
Joe Moss
Moss’s campaign website says he is “100% committed to Make America Great Again!” and prominently emphasizes parental rights, “health freedom,” fiscal conservatism, religious freedom, election integrity, opposition to DEI, local control, and “America First” priorities.
Religious-political context
FOX 17 reported that Ottawa Impact-endorsed commissioners signed a governing contract that referenced America’s “Judeo-Christian heritage” and described the country as “an exceptional nation blessed by God.” FOX 17 also described Moss as a leader of Ottawa Impact and, in separate coverage, called Ottawa Impact a far-right political organization.
Bridge Michigan likewise reported that candidates vetted by Ottawa Impact were required to sign a contract recognizing the nation’s “Judeo-Christian heritage.” The publication noted that some experts associate that language with American nationalist politics.
The public record
This section presents documented events from Joe Moss’s tenure on the Ottawa County Board, along with context, so readers can review what happened rather than rely on labels.
The county’s dispute with Health Officer Adeline Hambley lasted more than a year. Hambley remained in her position, and a judge later ordered the county to pay $188,179.24 in her attorney fees. Reporting also documented substantial county legal bills associated with the litigation.
Closed-session minutes released later showed commissioners discussed multimillion-dollar settlement terms related to Hambley. The proposed arrangement became legally disputed and was not consummated.
Former county administrator John Gibbs sued Ottawa County and Joe Moss after being fired. The dispute was later resolved through settlement.
Moss presents the same period as a record of conservative reform, emphasizing local control, health freedom, parental rights, election integrity, opposition to DEI programs, small business, farmland, and energy policy.
County government in the local news
Below are selected local reports covering litigation, settlements, management decisions and ethics complaints connected to Ottawa County government during and after Moss’s tenure as board chair. Click any topic to read the original story and context.
FOX 17 reported the county was ordered to pay $188,179.24 in Adeline Hambley’s legal fees, while county litigation counsel had billed nearly $225,000 through April 2024.
Read the original report →The county approved a $190,000 settlement with former administrator John Gibbs, resolving claims against the county and Joe Moss.
Read the original report →FOX 17 reported commissioners repeatedly asked for details supporting proposed severance payments while Moss argued the county faced legal exposure.
Read the original report →ONN reported on closed-session recordings surrounding two severance agreements approved by the outgoing board.
Read the original report →Released closed-session minutes documented discussion of a $4 million figure. The proposed settlement was later disputed and never consummated.
Read the original report →ONN reported commissioners approved a $190,000 Gibbs settlement after a public debate over responsibility for the hiring, firing and litigation.
Read the original report →This is an allegation by another commissioner, not an adjudicated finding. The story concerns a disputed severance arrangement.
Read the original report →The story reports resident-filed ethics complaints. A complaint is an allegation, not proof of wrongdoing.
Read the original report →Important context: headlines summarize news coverage, not legal findings. Allegations and ethics complaints are identified as such.
Follow Meegan
Connect with the campaign on social media.