HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Holland resident Nathan Bocks filed petitions to run for Mayor of Holland, submitting over 120 signatures on Thursday, March 21, 2019. (Listen to his full interview with Gary Stevens.)
He filed twice the number of signatures than required by the city ordinance. He’ll challenge Mayor Nancy DeBoer, who will be running for a third term, which would be a second full two-year term.
“Our current housing shortage gives us an opportunity for growth and development of Holland’s downtown and waterfront districts,” he said in a written statement to WHTC. “My vision is about more than just building homes and parks. It is about developing a vibrant community where people feel more than just welcome. They feel they are a valued part of the rich tapestry of Holland.”
Bocks graduated from Hope College in 1989 with a degree in political science, earning a law degree from Marquette University Law School three years later. He’s had a law practicein Holland for 25 years ago and continues to own and operate Central Park Law on South Shore Drive.
The election is Tuesday, November 5, 2019.
For 25 years Nathan Bocks has served Holland on more than a dozen community, non-profit, and service organization boards and commissions. He has been chair of Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity, Holland’s Zoning Board of Appeals, the Classis of Holland, chair of the Tulip Time Board, and most recently chair of the Civic Center Place Advisory Board. “These experiences make me ready to lead on my first day in office,” he said.
Nathan and his wife Elizabeth (Becker) Bocks met at Hope College and have been married for 27 years. She is a 29-year physical education teacher at Hudsonville High School. Together they have raised three children: Duncan, 24, a Hope College graduate who works at Herman Miller and is married to Michelle (Jager) Bocks; Spencer, 22, a Central Michigan University senior; and Megan, 17, a Holland High senior.
The deadline for candidates to file petitions to get on the ballot is 4 p.m., April 23, 2019.
At-Large Councilman Wayne Komparens is running and being challenged by Lyn Raymond; Sixth Ward Councilman Dave Hoekstra will run. Ward 4 Council Brian Lynn told WHTC he and his wife are discussing whether or not he’ll seek a second term.
