The executive committee of the Muskegon County Republican party elected new officers at its December meeting.

Elected were Chairman Andrew Fink of Whitehall, Vice-Chairman Amy Preston of Norton Shores, Secretary Brad Shafer of Fruitland Township and Treasurer Eric Rothoff of Twin Lake. Fink was elevated from his previous position as vice-chairman. The others are new to formal leadership in the party.

“We have a lot of work to do”, notes Fink. “We got soundly beaten in November. It is now up to us to show the voters why Republican principles are better for the people.”

The executive committee is composed of Republican candidates nominated in the most recent primaries and others elected by precinct delegates. “Nearly all of the members elected by the precinct delegates are new to the executive committee,” says Fink. “They are anxious to promote the principles of individual freedom and efficient government. They will give the party new life.”

As a first step in reaching out to the public, the executive committee has scheduled a speaker for its January meeting. Vinnie Vernuccio, director of Labor Policy at the Mackinac Center will discuss the “prevailing wage” rule and its effect on the costs of public projects. Prevailing wage rules require the contractors on a public project pay union scale for all of the workers on the site.

“I asked the Mackinac Center to address the prevailing wage issue because Muskegon County is preparing to spend millions of dollars on a new jail. It is important that the voters and public officials are aware of the additional costs that will be incurred as a result of Muskegon County’s prevailing wage policy,” says Fink.

The meeting will be held on Jan. 14 in Room 1202 of Muskegon Community College. The public is welcome to the free event. All Muskegon County Republicans who are interested in helping the party and its candidates succeed are encouraged to attend.

Anyone interested in attending the meeting or learning more about the party is invited to call Fink at 231-893-5323.