April 22, 2025 — In a meeting that felt at times more like a courtroom drama than county governance, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted to alter one of the cornerstone procedures of parliamentary democracy: the rule requiring a supermajority to cut off debate.
After nearly 40 minutes of back-and-forth, the Board of Commissioners approved a revision to its internal rules—specifically, Article 1, Paragraph 3—which now permits a three-fifths vote (seven commissioners) to “call the question” and end discussion on a motion. This deviates from the traditional two-thirds standard set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order, the 700-page procedural playbook used by deliberative bodies across America for over a century.
Previously, under Robert’s Rules, two-thirds of the Board of Commissioners (8 of 11 members) were required to vote in favor of ending debate and proceeding to a vote. The intent of this rule has always been to protect the minority’s right to speak—a foundational element of democratic deliberation.
But the change—championed by Commissioner Josh Brugger and amended by Commissioner Doug Zylstra as a compromise—lowers the threshold to seven votes. That number happens to reflect the size of the current board majority, a fact that did not go unnoticed by critics of the move.
Brugger argued the rule change was aimed at improving efficiency. “Deliberations that should take minutes take hours,” he said. “Meetings that should take hours take the entire day.” He admitted his own tendency to pontificate but claimed the change would nudge all commissioners—himself included—toward brevity and focus.
Zylstra’s amendment to require three-fifths instead of a simple majority was pitched as a middle ground. “It’s literally in between,” he said. “It protects the minority more than the original motion while still allowing meetings to flow.”
Board Chair John Teeples backed the compromise. “No one commissioner should dominate discussions” he said.
Commissioners Joe Moss, Allison Miedema, Wenzel, and Sylvia Rhodea rejected the rationale.
“Robert’s Rules are used by counties, cities, townships across Michigan. Ottawa County has used this book to help govern orderly meetings, probably since its inception,” said Moss. “You’re asking us to just take this one page and rip it out of the book. I just like to read from this page that you want us to rip out. It specifically says in ordinary bodies, the requirement of a two-thirds vote for ordering the question is important in protecting the democratic process. We don't have a problem that you're trying to solve. The problem that you're trying to solve is limiting debate.” said Moss. “You don’t get to rip one page out of the rulebook just because it’s inconvenient.”
Wenzel said, “I just want to go on the record to say that this is, to me, nothing more than quashing the voice of other commissioners, especially Allison. She's asked multiple questions, which has caused all of us to think and look at things differently—Joe as well, Sylvia as well. The goal of this is to just shut up four people so that they can't ask any more questions.”
Miedema said, “Can you guys give some examples of when this actually had to take place and where it really added to quite a bit of minutes to our meetings due to this particular rule change? I know that we have discussed items… I'm not recalling times that this particular rule would have actually affected what you guys are saying that you're seeking to do.”
Zylstra’s amendment (changing the threshold from a simple majority to three-fifths) passed narrowly. The final amended motion to adopt the rule change also passed, with all seven members of the board’s current majority voting in favor.
Commissioners voting yes: Teeples, Brugger, Zylstra, Bonnema, Barry, Kuyers, and Jorritsma.
Voting no: Moss, Miedema, Wenzel, and Rhodea.
The debate underscores a growing tension on the board, where a clear 7-member majority frequently outvotes a 4-member bloc. Opponents of the change see it as part of a broader effort to sideline minority voices—an accusation that majority members deny.
“We’re not trying to silence anyone,” said Zylstra. “We’re trying to make meetings functional. This is a compromise, not a crackdown.”
But for others, the symbolism was clear.
“You ran on good governance,” Rhodea said. “But now you're trying to ram through an agenda without full discussion. This isn’t about order—it’s about control.”
As Wenzel warned, “We’re setting precedent now. What else do we get to pluck out of Robert’s Rules next?” The new rule may speed up meetings. But in the process, it has sparked deeper questions about the role of governance in Ottawa County: Should efficiency come at the expense of open debate? And who decides when a voice is too long-winded—or simply outnumbered?
One thing is certain: for a meeting aimed at shortening meetings, this one proved just how long it takes to decide how to say less.
Eric McKee is a lifetime resident of West Michigan. Married with two energetic boys, he spends his days balancing work with dad life. Also, a firm believer that Almond St. Claus Windmill Cookies are the ultimate snack (and maybe a little too good).
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