Letters to the Editor: Democrats deliver to improve lives

Democrats have a history of delivering services and programs to vastly improve the lives of American workers and families. Democratic solutions brighten the future for families at all levels of the economic spectrum.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt strengthened the economic state of the lower and middle classes during his terms with the creation of unions, a minimum wage, overtime pay and unemployment insurance. In the 1940s, employee health care evolved from democratic affiliated unions. The creation of Social Security provided income for seniors facing poverty after retirement.

In the 1960s, President Lyndon Baines Johnson sought to rectify racial discrimination by establishing the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968. The Voting Rights Act was passed to ensure fair voting rights for all races. To ensure health care coverage for retirees, Medicare was instituted.

President Barack Obama was shocked by the huge numbers of medically uninsured American workers and families who could not afford health care, even with full time employment. Families bankrupted by medical emergencies impelled him to seek health care reform in 2010 with the Affordable Care Act.

President Biden has sought to stimulate the economy for all Americans with the American Rescue Plan, to lower drug prices and promote clean energy with the Inflation Reduction Act and to repair and build roads, bridges and more with the Infrastructure Bill. His work to control COVID-19 has been on the behalf of all.

Democrats on the ballot in November continue to believe that we all do better, when we all do better. Vote for public servants dedicated to expanding rights, to promoting voting and ensuring voter integrity, to raising wages and to expanded educational opportunities. Vote Democratic!

Bob BirdHolland

Vote for Lois Mulder for Holland Public Schools

We are writing in support of Lois Mulder, who is running for the school board of Holland Public Schools.

Lois has been a beloved science teacher in the middle school for 17 years. All five of her children attended and graduated from HPS, and now she has grandchildren in the HPS district.

Since her retirement from teaching, she continues to volunteer for the school system several days per week, her strong support continues on.

She has a long and consistent history of being kind, fair, creative and a tireless advocate for all children.

We wholeheartedly believe the school system is fortunate to have a person of her caliber and commitment who is willing to serve on the HPS board.

Please join us in voting for Lois Mulder for Holland Public School Board.

Deborah and Robert SterkenHolland

Vote for the candidates who want whats best for all of us

I have been an educator for over 30 years. I began my career as an art instructor, spent over 20 years as a classroom teacher, and two more as an administrator at a middle school.

As a retired educator, I am still providing individual support and coaching to teachers throughout Michigan. Believe me, I know what dedicated teachers go through, giving extra time, extra effort and countless hours creating lesson plans that are structured to provide a quality education for all of their students.

That's why it is so troublesome to see the upswing of radical candidates running for our local school board; the Ottawa Impact candidates who have made it very clear, that as part of their agenda, they are going to "gut public schools," throw out curriculum, ban books from the shelves of school and public libraries, and fire hardworking teachers and administrators.

It is the reason I recently attended a local rally held at Pigeon Creek Lodge last week, hosted by the Vote Common Good. There, I was able to meet dedicated presenters who travel around the country spreading the message that we the people need to vote for what is best for our community, our children, our families, our state, and our nation.

In their message, they talked about having faith in our democratic system, having hope in ourselves and our country that we might reclaim what is good and just in all of us. They also spoke of having love for truth instead of the lies that we hear and choose to ignore on a daily basis. This is a time to look beyond party lines, and look, instead, to the good that is in each of us.

Vote Common Good endorses candidates who achieve five criteria, five common good commitments:

* dignity, recognizing that every person is part of the human family

* mutuality, thoughtful consideration of the needs of all community members

* humility, the understanding that remaining open to other views is of great importance to finding solutions

* civility, treating others with respect, and finally

* democracy, believing in and protecting free and fair elections and making the political process accessible to all

When we vote, we need to look for the sane response toward our fellow humans, respecting their needs, their personal choices, their beliefs, and to remain true to the freedoms that made our country what it once was. It is no surprise that not one of the Ottawa Impact candidates have been endorsed by Vote Common Good.

Nancy BergHolland

Mulder is the best choice for HPS Board of Education

As a lifelong resident of Holland, a former employee and advocate for Holland Public Schools, I'd urge you to vote for Lois Mulder for the HPS Board of Education.

I simply cannot think of anyone more qualified! She is a longtime teacher, school volunteer, and has five children who are HPS graduates.

She certainly has the skills to be a thoughtful, supportive and engaged board member who will not only empathize and communicate well with staff, but will also be open to thoughtful communication with the community. She certainly has the best interest of students and staff as a priority.

Please vote for Lois Mulder!

Marilyn SchmidtHolland

Paul Kraus the best choice for judge

Ottawa County will vote for a new circuit court judge on Nov. 8. This is an important position that will handle some of the most sensitive family law cases in our county.

I have seen Paul Kraus be a leader who demonstrates skills to be ready on day one and I enthusiastically endorse his candidacy.

Paul's career of public service as senior assistant Ottawa County prosecutor, Holland deputy city attorney, as a family law practitioner, and as an assistant attorney general give him wonderful experience to be a judge. In fact, in his legal career, Paul has appeared more than 1,000 times in Ottawa County family court, preparing him for this new role.

Equally important, is having a judge that knows our community and has the right temperament. Paul has a record of nonprofit service throughout our county. I also have seen Paul's fair treatment of others and his leadership to treat others with respect. These are the skills we need on the bench.

I invite you to learn more about Paul at Krausforjudge.com

Please also join me in voting for Paul Kraus for circuit court judge.

Steve KempkerOttawa County Sheriff