John Wetzel

John Wetzel was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He earned a high school diploma from Rockford High School and a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University in 1999. His career experience includes working as a business owner and as a Michigan High School Athletic Association Basketball Official. Wetzel has been affiliated with the Ressurection Life Church, Michigan Restaurant Association, and the American Legion.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a strong Christian, conservative, and pro-life supporter. I come from a blue-collar upbringing with deep farming family roots. I started my own business, and for 20 years I proudly served as a high school basketball official.

Hard work, long hours, personal responsibility, and problem-solving are not new to me. Those experiences have prepared me to understand the needs of families, workers, farmers, and business owners across Ottawa County — and to protect the values that make this such a wonderful place to raise a family, build a business, work, and pursue a meaningful education.

I believe we must live within our means, and state government should do the same. We don’t need programs that cost taxpayers more while delivering fewer — or none of — the promised results. I also believe local governments should be respected, not overridden by state legislators who are disconnected from the communities affected by their decisions.

I believe our laws should be upheld and those who enforce them should be respected.

When it comes to our elections, I support common-sense measures that help restore confidence in the process. I support the SAVE Act and the Citizens Only Voting amendment expected to appear on the November ballot. Requiring photo identification to vote should not be controversial — it should be expected.

As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our great nation, we should honor and protect the freedoms and opportunities that have made America exceptional.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Michigan needs major property tax reform. 32 years ago, Proposal A provided much needed relief from unchecked millages. Now, with property values constantly increasing (which is a good thing!), we need to find a way to balance the cost to residents while still providing the vital services that property taxes support.Rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in Lansing — Taxpayer dollars deserve the same discipline any family or business applies to its own money, and I will demand real accountability for how the state spends tax payers money.Fixing a broken education system — Michigan's schools are failing students and the future workforce; I will fight for higher standards, transparency, and more parental choice. We are currently ranked 43rd (out of 50) in public school education in regards to 3rd Grade reading and writing, and math literacy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about fixing Michigan's failing education system through higher standards and school choice, delivering property tax relief for working families, and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in Lansing spending. As a small business owner, I champion economic policies that cut red tape and help entrepreneurs thrive. I am committed to strengthening public safety and supporting law enforcement, protecting election integrity so voters can trust the process, and tackling housing affordability so Michigan families can find homes they can afford without a government over reach direction. His approach draws on real-world business experience, not career politics, and allowing the free market to thrive.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Arlan Meekhof — Former Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate

Bradley Slagh — State Representative

Luke Meerman — State Representative

Jon Bumstead — State Senator

Joe Haveman — Former State Representative

Leon Stille — Former State Senator

Gary Rosema — Former Ottawa County Sheriff

Joe Bush — Ottawa County Water Resources Commissioner

Jacob Bonnema — Ottawa County Commissioner

Phil Kuyers — Ottawa County Commissioner

John Teeples — Ottawa County Commissioner

Jordan Jorritsma — Ottawa County Commissioner

Kurt Van Koevering — Ottawa County Road Commission Chair

Kent Vanderwood — City of Wyoming Mayor

Mark Northrup — Hudsonville Mayor

Connie Eardley — Western Michigan Patriots

Penny Pullen — Republican Women Ottawa

Right to Life of Michigan

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A life-long Michigander, John grew up in Rockford and went to Rockford High School. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Information Systems and Business from Grand Valley State University. His mother grew up in Walker and went to Kenowa Hills High School and also served as the secretary at the elementary school in Rockford. His father grew up in Grand Rapids and went to Northview High School. He worked for 30 years at General Motors, in Grand Rapids, as a Tool and Dye Maker. John's paternal grandfather owned a tire shop business with his great grandfather in Northeast Grand Rapids. His maternal grandfather was a fireman for Walker Fire Department, and the family went to Standale Baptist Church. After over two decades of successfully starting and operating businesses, John witnessed many things in Michigan that could use improvement, and has decided to step into public service. He ran in a competitve primary in 2022, and placed second in a race of four delegates, not bad for filing on the deadline date and his first campaign. This experience not only stoked John's competitive fire, but more importantly, increased his love for the community and his confidence in that he can help. West Michigan, has always been, and will always be, John's home. He loves the area and the hard-working people in West Michigan.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The EconomyEducationHousing

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The Economy: We are in unprecedented times with inflation and costs raising all around us. Michigan currently ranks 42 in unemployment and between 2019 to 2020 was closing three businesses for every two that opened. To mitigate this, we must: Look at how we can reduce taxes by removing bloated budgets across the board at the State level. Identify what business types have the greatest upside and how we can either bring them to Michigan or help Michiganders start those types of businesses. Increase the assistance for small businesses in Michigan. Train Michigan’s workforce so we can create jobs in the above businesses.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Building relationships with other legislators is a key component, and critical to the success of accomplishing anything in office. This not only applies to folks on the same "side of the aisle", but also "across the aisle". If a legislator can not get along with other legislators, what chance does one have in getting along with the constituents.

What committees interest you?

Appropriations

John Wetzel did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.