By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The largest field of candidates to run for the Zeeland City Council in 40 years will square off in a primary election on Aug. 5.
Seven candidates — Andrew Bult, Kylee DeBoer, Ericka Humbert, Glenn Kass, Amy Langeland, Hillery McAlpine and Rebecca Perkins — are running for three available four-year seats on the council. The top six vote-getters will advance to the general election in November. It’s the first primary election that has been held in the city since 1985, when eight candidates ran for the council.
It’s the first contested City Council election in Zeeland since 2011, when four candidates — Richard Van Dorp, Sally Gruppen, Allen Dannenberg and Schuyler Wilson — ran for three four-year council seats, with Van Dorp, Gruppen and Dannenberg winning.
At least two new members will be elected from among the seven candidates. With Kevin Klynstra deciding not to seek re-election after 14 years as the city’s mayor, Van Dorp stepped forward to file for mayor, and has no opposition. In addition, 24-year council veteran Jim Broersma decided not to run for re-election.
The Zeeland Record sent out questionnaires to each of the candidates running in the primary, to find out why they were running and what they feel was the most important issue facing the city. We hope that the candidate responses will be of help to you when you go to the polls to cast your ballot.
Zeeland Record
The largest field of candidates to run for the Zeeland City Council in 40 years will square off in a primary election on Aug. 5.
Seven candidates — Andrew Bult, Kylee DeBoer, Ericka Humbert, Glenn Kass, Amy Langeland, Hillery McAlpine and Rebecca Perkins — are running for three available four-year seats on the council. The top six vote-getters will advance to the general election in November. It’s the first primary election that has been held in the city since 1985, when eight candidates ran for the council.
It’s the first contested City Council election in Zeeland since 2011, when four candidates — Richard Van Dorp, Sally Gruppen, Allen Dannenberg and Schuyler Wilson — ran for three four-year council seats, with Van Dorp, Gruppen and Dannenberg winning.
At least two new members will be elected from among the seven candidates. With Kevin Klynstra deciding not to seek re-election after 14 years as the city’s mayor, Van Dorp stepped forward to file for mayor, and has no opposition. In addition, 24-year council veteran Jim Broersma decided not to run for re-election.
The Zeeland Record sent out questionnaires to each of the candidates running in the primary, to find out why they were running and what they feel was the most important issue facing the city. We hope that the candidate responses will be of help to you when you go to the polls to cast your ballot.
Name: Andrew Bult
Age: 32Occupation: Physical Therapist and Center Manager of Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? 4 years
What led you to run for City Council? I believe in serving the community that has embraced my family as residents and myself as a business leader. Zeeland is a city with a rich history, a strong sense of community and is becoming an ever more popular location to live, work and play. As our city evolves, I believe it is critical to ask thoughtful questions, have forward-looking leadership and also, be able to adhere to what has made Zeeland such a great place. As a business owner and a father with a young family, I believe I bring a different perspective to the city council. I am committed to making decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our citizens. This includes supporting responsible development, strengthening local businesses, equitable distribution of city funds for projects across ALL of Zeeland and ensuring our city remains a welcoming and God-fearing town.
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? Updating the master plan for the city remains critically important because it ensures that the city grows in a thoughtful, balanced, community-driven way. As we have seen, Zeeland has faced tensions between evolving industrial expansion and housing needs. With nearly triple the number of employees to citizens, Zeeland will face unique challenges to maintaining our small-town feel while also ensuring businesses thrive, citizens have access to parks, restaurants, and amenities such as the splash pad, as well as keeping property taxes low and housing affordable. An up-to-date master plan provides the outline needed to make smart decisions about land use, infrastructure, community benefits and growth. Under the current master plan, the city has made excellent strides in downtown development that they seek to continue, park upgrades, and have made steps to some more affordable housing. However, with so much change and new situations such as the Mead Johnson expansion, Zeeland requires an updated framework to handle these new challenges the city faces.
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? 4 years
What led you to run for City Council? I believe in serving the community that has embraced my family as residents and myself as a business leader. Zeeland is a city with a rich history, a strong sense of community and is becoming an ever more popular location to live, work and play. As our city evolves, I believe it is critical to ask thoughtful questions, have forward-looking leadership and also, be able to adhere to what has made Zeeland such a great place. As a business owner and a father with a young family, I believe I bring a different perspective to the city council. I am committed to making decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our citizens. This includes supporting responsible development, strengthening local businesses, equitable distribution of city funds for projects across ALL of Zeeland and ensuring our city remains a welcoming and God-fearing town.
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? Updating the master plan for the city remains critically important because it ensures that the city grows in a thoughtful, balanced, community-driven way. As we have seen, Zeeland has faced tensions between evolving industrial expansion and housing needs. With nearly triple the number of employees to citizens, Zeeland will face unique challenges to maintaining our small-town feel while also ensuring businesses thrive, citizens have access to parks, restaurants, and amenities such as the splash pad, as well as keeping property taxes low and housing affordable. An up-to-date master plan provides the outline needed to make smart decisions about land use, infrastructure, community benefits and growth. Under the current master plan, the city has made excellent strides in downtown development that they seek to continue, park upgrades, and have made steps to some more affordable housing. However, with so much change and new situations such as the Mead Johnson expansion, Zeeland requires an updated framework to handle these new challenges the city faces.
Name: Kylee DeBoer
Age: 38
Occupation: Secretary at Zeeland Public Schools and run a small cleaning business
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? I have lived in Zeeland most of my life, but the city of Zeeland has been home for 10 years.
What led you to run for City Council? I believe the past and current City Council and mayor have done an exceptional job in creating a vibrant and healthy city. Their long-term vision and careful stewardship have established a solid foundation to build upon for the future leaders of the city.
I have felt led to run for City Council for years and decided the year everyone wanted to run to go for it. Zeeland is a place people move to when they want to raise a family — it is welcoming and has incredible schools, police and fire department, and opportunities for children. I want to continue to make sure that all people feel welcomed and enfolded into our community.
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? We are currently seeing a changing market in manufacturing (e.g. Howard Miller closing) and other businesses expanding. We will continue to see transitions as AI will play a more dominant role. We do not want to get ourselves as a city in a position of responding to these changes and challenges, but we need to stay ahead of what such changes could mean for us — jobs, taxes, and property values.
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? I have lived in Zeeland most of my life, but the city of Zeeland has been home for 10 years.
What led you to run for City Council? I believe the past and current City Council and mayor have done an exceptional job in creating a vibrant and healthy city. Their long-term vision and careful stewardship have established a solid foundation to build upon for the future leaders of the city.
I have felt led to run for City Council for years and decided the year everyone wanted to run to go for it. Zeeland is a place people move to when they want to raise a family — it is welcoming and has incredible schools, police and fire department, and opportunities for children. I want to continue to make sure that all people feel welcomed and enfolded into our community.
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? We are currently seeing a changing market in manufacturing (e.g. Howard Miller closing) and other businesses expanding. We will continue to see transitions as AI will play a more dominant role. We do not want to get ourselves as a city in a position of responding to these changes and challenges, but we need to stay ahead of what such changes could mean for us — jobs, taxes, and property values.
Name: Ericka Humbert
Age: 30Occupation: Public relations, marketing and communications freelancer
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? I’m proudly Zeeland-born and raised, graduating from Zeeland East in 2013. My husband and I have lived in town since we were married in 2020.
What led you to run for City Council? I’ve had a Zeeland address nearly my whole life, something I’m incredibly proud of. (I even have a middle school diary entry about the original launch of the “Feel the Zeel” campaign to prove it!) Watching firsthand the explosive growth and desirability of my hometown over the years has been a defining experience. Having witnessed towns that have lost touch with their community and what makes them special, I’m incredibly grateful for the decision-making, planning and foresight fueling Zeeland’s healthy momentum. Now as an adult and mother, I want nothing more than to actively participate in ensuring Zeeland continues to be a safe, thriving city for generations to come. I believe my background as a Zeelander paired with my professional career in communications and public relations makes me a candidate well-equipped to approach a variety of issues with strategy, accountability and tact, ensuring our decisions not only rise to meet the changing needs of our community but always keep the voices of our people and our values as the guiding thread. It would be an honor to serve my city as councilwoman and continue the humbling work of sustaining a community rich in values, opportunity, neighborliness and, of course, ZEEL!
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? Zeeland’s current chapter is one many cities would envy — a competitive housing market, robust employment and abundance of job opportunities, thriving community culture with popular events, noticeable beautification, and improvements on everything including better accessibility with snowmelt and new sidewalks to the remodeling of a popular playground. However, there are many ways a city can choose to invest time, money and resources. Just because the opportunity is there, doesn’t mean we should pursue it. Despite our positive momentum, Zeeland must avoid distraction. We must ensure all strategic planning and the critically-needed development of an updated Zeeland master plan stay focused on prioritizing the most beneficial ways to attract and come alongside residents, businesses and visitors in our area for continued future success. I believe these areas include protecting and growing our residential availability (including a focus on more affordable options), validating beautification, infrastructure, and accessibility projects reflect the top needs and desires of our community, and continuing efforts to make downtown a destination for businesses, residents and visitors alike. These conversations should include ample opportunities to hear from the community, ask questions, and use research whenever possible to drive truly informed decision making.
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? I’m proudly Zeeland-born and raised, graduating from Zeeland East in 2013. My husband and I have lived in town since we were married in 2020.
What led you to run for City Council? I’ve had a Zeeland address nearly my whole life, something I’m incredibly proud of. (I even have a middle school diary entry about the original launch of the “Feel the Zeel” campaign to prove it!) Watching firsthand the explosive growth and desirability of my hometown over the years has been a defining experience. Having witnessed towns that have lost touch with their community and what makes them special, I’m incredibly grateful for the decision-making, planning and foresight fueling Zeeland’s healthy momentum. Now as an adult and mother, I want nothing more than to actively participate in ensuring Zeeland continues to be a safe, thriving city for generations to come. I believe my background as a Zeelander paired with my professional career in communications and public relations makes me a candidate well-equipped to approach a variety of issues with strategy, accountability and tact, ensuring our decisions not only rise to meet the changing needs of our community but always keep the voices of our people and our values as the guiding thread. It would be an honor to serve my city as councilwoman and continue the humbling work of sustaining a community rich in values, opportunity, neighborliness and, of course, ZEEL!
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? Zeeland’s current chapter is one many cities would envy — a competitive housing market, robust employment and abundance of job opportunities, thriving community culture with popular events, noticeable beautification, and improvements on everything including better accessibility with snowmelt and new sidewalks to the remodeling of a popular playground. However, there are many ways a city can choose to invest time, money and resources. Just because the opportunity is there, doesn’t mean we should pursue it. Despite our positive momentum, Zeeland must avoid distraction. We must ensure all strategic planning and the critically-needed development of an updated Zeeland master plan stay focused on prioritizing the most beneficial ways to attract and come alongside residents, businesses and visitors in our area for continued future success. I believe these areas include protecting and growing our residential availability (including a focus on more affordable options), validating beautification, infrastructure, and accessibility projects reflect the top needs and desires of our community, and continuing efforts to make downtown a destination for businesses, residents and visitors alike. These conversations should include ample opportunities to hear from the community, ask questions, and use research whenever possible to drive truly informed decision making.
Name: Glenn Kass
Age: 59Occupation: Meat cutter
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? 27 years
What led you to run for City Council? Serving others is what I have done for the past 22 years. I served on Planning Commission for six years before being elected to City Council in 2009. I have been honored to have been re-elected in 2013, 2017, and 2021. In 2018 I was appointed as the City Council liaison to the Planning Commission and have been in that position since. I have been honored and grateful by the confidence this community has put in me.
I also believe that continuity on the council is critical this year. Mayor Klynstra and Councilman Broersma are not seeking re-election. Their departures total 56 years of experience. I believe that it is critical to maintain some experience on the council.
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? 1. Financial Sustainability. The city is in great shape financially at the moment and I have a duty and responsibility to maintain that.
Making smart decisions and honoring the legacy of the leaders of the past that put us in our current position is our goal. 2. Public Safety. I feel strongly in providing top-notch public safety. We must do everything we can to provide our police and fire/rescue whatever they need to protect our residents, industry, and visitors every day.
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? 27 years
What led you to run for City Council? Serving others is what I have done for the past 22 years. I served on Planning Commission for six years before being elected to City Council in 2009. I have been honored to have been re-elected in 2013, 2017, and 2021. In 2018 I was appointed as the City Council liaison to the Planning Commission and have been in that position since. I have been honored and grateful by the confidence this community has put in me.
I also believe that continuity on the council is critical this year. Mayor Klynstra and Councilman Broersma are not seeking re-election. Their departures total 56 years of experience. I believe that it is critical to maintain some experience on the council.
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? 1. Financial Sustainability. The city is in great shape financially at the moment and I have a duty and responsibility to maintain that.
Making smart decisions and honoring the legacy of the leaders of the past that put us in our current position is our goal. 2. Public Safety. I feel strongly in providing top-notch public safety. We must do everything we can to provide our police and fire/rescue whatever they need to protect our residents, industry, and visitors every day.
Name: Amy Langeland
Age: 53Occupation: Currently a librarian at Heritage Christian School, formerly an account financial manager at Prince/ Johnson Controls
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? 30 years
What led you to run for City Council? I have been a Zeeland city volunteer appointee over the past 30 years. I served on the compensation committee and currently serve on Cemetery/Park Committee. I served on the Zeeland Historical Society and as its president. There I chaired the historic home tour and was part of the fundraising and restoration of the New Groningen Historic Schoolhouse. I served on several joint committees of ZHS and the city of Zeeland with Mayor Hoogland. I have been an active member of the city master plan for the parks. I graduated from Calvin University where I met my husband of 30 years, Mike (a lifelong Zeelander) and obtained my MBA from Grand Valley State University. I moved from the beautiful town of South Holland, Ill., to Zeeland in 1995, where we raised our four children. I want to continue to serve the city on the Zeeland City Council.
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? I believe the city of Zeeland is run well. I want to maintain the character and quality of life in the beautiful city of Zeeland. The city of Zeeland has a vibrant downtown which is a destination for residents and visitors. It is also very important to have resources and a positive community environment for all our businesses, schools, and residents to thrive.
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? 30 years
What led you to run for City Council? I have been a Zeeland city volunteer appointee over the past 30 years. I served on the compensation committee and currently serve on Cemetery/Park Committee. I served on the Zeeland Historical Society and as its president. There I chaired the historic home tour and was part of the fundraising and restoration of the New Groningen Historic Schoolhouse. I served on several joint committees of ZHS and the city of Zeeland with Mayor Hoogland. I have been an active member of the city master plan for the parks. I graduated from Calvin University where I met my husband of 30 years, Mike (a lifelong Zeelander) and obtained my MBA from Grand Valley State University. I moved from the beautiful town of South Holland, Ill., to Zeeland in 1995, where we raised our four children. I want to continue to serve the city on the Zeeland City Council.
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? I believe the city of Zeeland is run well. I want to maintain the character and quality of life in the beautiful city of Zeeland. The city of Zeeland has a vibrant downtown which is a destination for residents and visitors. It is also very important to have resources and a positive community environment for all our businesses, schools, and residents to thrive.
Name: Hillery McAlpine
Age: 43Occupation: Director of Marketing and Communications for the Holland Area Visitors Bureau
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? 7 years
What led you to run for City Council? My decision to run for Zeeland City Council comes from a deep gratitude for this community, a feeling that's grown since I moved back to West Michigan from Nashville. I wanted to raise my daughter in a safe, vibrant community with excellent schools, friendly neighborhoods, and thriving local businesses. Zeeland has truly transformed my life; I genuinely "Feel the Zeel!"
In my professional role in destination marketing, I collaborate closely with the City of Holland and several other local organizations. This work has shown me the critical impact dedicated individuals have in shaping a community, planning events, and fostering positive change — making a place people want to enjoy. This has been incredibly inspiring and fueled my desire for deeper involvement in my own residential community.
Additionally, serving eight years on the Holland Civic Center Place board and observing Holland City Council meetings gave me firsthand insight into the direct impact of local governance. Reflecting on these experiences, I felt a strong pull to contribute directly to Zeeland's future. I'm eager to lend my experience and energy to the community I'm so invested in.
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? Zeeland is truly a special place, and as our city evolves, a key challenge is balancing industrial growth with our cherished residential life.
It's not about choosing one over the other, but ensuring they grow harmoniously.
Progress can bring growing pains, like new businesses impacting traffic or development considered for green spaces. While challenging, these moments are also opportunities to demonstrate our values of community unity and neighborly love.
I believe solutions lie in open conversations, transparent processes, and a shared commitment to finding solutions that benefit everyone. As our industrial sector thrives and gives back, we must ensure our residential areas remain peaceful, connected, and full of Zeeland's unique charm. Every new development should be considered not just for its economic impact, but for how it strengthens our community's fabric and neighborly bonds.
By leaning on our collective goodwill and engaging in thoughtful dialogue, we can continue to build a Zeeland where businesses and families flourish, and where the spirit of unity and neighborly love defines us. This "zeel" is exactly why I moved here, and I haven't regretted it for a single day.
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? 7 years
What led you to run for City Council? My decision to run for Zeeland City Council comes from a deep gratitude for this community, a feeling that's grown since I moved back to West Michigan from Nashville. I wanted to raise my daughter in a safe, vibrant community with excellent schools, friendly neighborhoods, and thriving local businesses. Zeeland has truly transformed my life; I genuinely "Feel the Zeel!"
In my professional role in destination marketing, I collaborate closely with the City of Holland and several other local organizations. This work has shown me the critical impact dedicated individuals have in shaping a community, planning events, and fostering positive change — making a place people want to enjoy. This has been incredibly inspiring and fueled my desire for deeper involvement in my own residential community.
Additionally, serving eight years on the Holland Civic Center Place board and observing Holland City Council meetings gave me firsthand insight into the direct impact of local governance. Reflecting on these experiences, I felt a strong pull to contribute directly to Zeeland's future. I'm eager to lend my experience and energy to the community I'm so invested in.
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? Zeeland is truly a special place, and as our city evolves, a key challenge is balancing industrial growth with our cherished residential life.
It's not about choosing one over the other, but ensuring they grow harmoniously.
Progress can bring growing pains, like new businesses impacting traffic or development considered for green spaces. While challenging, these moments are also opportunities to demonstrate our values of community unity and neighborly love.
I believe solutions lie in open conversations, transparent processes, and a shared commitment to finding solutions that benefit everyone. As our industrial sector thrives and gives back, we must ensure our residential areas remain peaceful, connected, and full of Zeeland's unique charm. Every new development should be considered not just for its economic impact, but for how it strengthens our community's fabric and neighborly bonds.
By leaning on our collective goodwill and engaging in thoughtful dialogue, we can continue to build a Zeeland where businesses and families flourish, and where the spirit of unity and neighborly love defines us. This "zeel" is exactly why I moved here, and I haven't regretted it for a single day.
Name: Rebecca Perkins
Age: 49Occupation: Realtor
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? 20+ years
What led you to run for City Council? My decision to run for city council comes from a deep personal connection to this community. My family has called Zeeland home for over 20 years, and in that time, I've truly fallen in love — with the people, the neighborhoods, and the spirit that makes this place so special.
I’ve reached a point in my life where I want to focus my energy on the things that matter most to me — and this city is at the top of that list. I care deeply about its future, and I believe in the power of local leadership to make a real difference in people’s everyday lives.
What drives me is the desire to give back — to help protect what makes this community unique and to ensure that future generations can experience the same sense of pride, opportunity, and belonging that I’ve been fortunate to know. That’s why I’m running — to serve, to listen, and to help shape a future that honors our past while building toward something even better.
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? I believe the most significant issue we face today is making sure we continue the strong momentum Zeeland has built—while ensuring our local businesses have the tools and support they need to succeed. We've made great strides in revitalizing key areas, attracting new development, and fostering a sense of pride in our community. But progress doesn’t sustain itself—we have to keep pushing forward.
Our local businesses are the engine of that progress. They provide good jobs, support families, and bring real character to our neighborhoods. But many are still struggling with rising costs, staffing challenges, and the lingering effects of economic uncertainty.
If elected to city council, one of my priorities is to keep our city moving forward by championing smart, sustainable growth.
How long you have lived in the city of Zeeland? 20+ years
What led you to run for City Council? My decision to run for city council comes from a deep personal connection to this community. My family has called Zeeland home for over 20 years, and in that time, I've truly fallen in love — with the people, the neighborhoods, and the spirit that makes this place so special.
I’ve reached a point in my life where I want to focus my energy on the things that matter most to me — and this city is at the top of that list. I care deeply about its future, and I believe in the power of local leadership to make a real difference in people’s everyday lives.
What drives me is the desire to give back — to help protect what makes this community unique and to ensure that future generations can experience the same sense of pride, opportunity, and belonging that I’ve been fortunate to know. That’s why I’m running — to serve, to listen, and to help shape a future that honors our past while building toward something even better.
What do you see as the most significant issue facing the city? I believe the most significant issue we face today is making sure we continue the strong momentum Zeeland has built—while ensuring our local businesses have the tools and support they need to succeed. We've made great strides in revitalizing key areas, attracting new development, and fostering a sense of pride in our community. But progress doesn’t sustain itself—we have to keep pushing forward.
Our local businesses are the engine of that progress. They provide good jobs, support families, and bring real character to our neighborhoods. But many are still struggling with rising costs, staffing challenges, and the lingering effects of economic uncertainty.
If elected to city council, one of my priorities is to keep our city moving forward by championing smart, sustainable growth.
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