WEST MICHIGAN POLITICS: Jenison Sign Issue "Not Over" As Kahle Caught Lying About Pro-life Billboard In Hillsdale

By Brandon Hall

(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)

Ottawa County Commissioner Dennis VanDam says the decision regarding a religious sign in a Jenison park shouldn't be decided by Ottawa County Parks and Rec. Staff, and that debate over the issue isn't over.

"We were not forced to remove the sign. Somebody capitulated and I am not happy about it. County staff should not make policy on questions like this. This is not over!"

The sign, which has graced the Jenison area since the 1960's, was removed after a complaint by Mitch Kahle. WMP broke that story a few days ago, and MLive and WZZM have subsequently picked it up, among others.

Judging by VanDam's comments, the Ottawa County Commission seems likely to take up the issue, and may vote to restore the sign.

VanDam tells WMP "I will bring this up at our next planning and policy meeting."

Also of note on the Mitch Kahle front: a pro-life billboard in Hillsdale.

In another false claim, Kahle called the sign "illegal" and that it must be removed immediately. He then called on people to cotact the Hillsdale Road Commission.

"MACRA has written to the Hillsdale County Road Commission demanding the immediate and permanent removal of an illegal “God is Pro-Life” sign that is located on public property at the corner of Ball Road and Homer Road in Hillsdale County. (see photos below) This illegal sign lists a phone number: 517-437-7020, which belongs to the Alpha Omega Women's Care Center located at 46 S Howell St, Hillsdale, MI 49242.

MACRA has written to the Hillsdale County Road Commission demanding the immediate and permanent removal of an illegal “God is Pro-Life” sign that is located on public property at the corner of Ball Road and Homer Road in Hillsdale County. (see photos below)This illegal sign lists a phone number: 517-437-7020, which belongs to the Alpha Omega Women's Care Center located at 46 S Howell St, Hillsdale, MI 49242."

Turns out, the sign is on private property.

"I have just finished communicating with the Hillsdale County Road Commission and, shockingly, this "God is Pro-Life" sign is located entirely on private property, as the county does not own or control the property under any of its roadways, except for a 33-ft stand-off or right-of-way extending out either side from the centerline. So these signs are considered legal."