Kevin Maas (Park Township Board of Trustees At-large, Michigan, candidate 2024)
Kevin Maas (No Party Affiliation) ran for election to Park Township Board of Trustees At-large in Michigan.[1]
Elections
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Kevin Maas completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Maas' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Kevin Maas is a lifelong Park Township resident, West Ottawa graduate, and local business owner. After building a successful business from the ground up, he’s committed to bringing a common-sense approach to the Park Township Board of Trustees. With a background as a competitive swimmer, Kevin prioritizes water safety and improving infrastructure in underserved areas, like expanding public sewer access. He values open communication, personally responding to every email at info@votemaas.com, and keeping residents informed through social media and direct mail updates. Kevin’s goal is to ensure Park Township is a place where families and businesses thrive.
- My vision for Park Township is one where safety, community engagement, and forward-thinking infrastructure improvements take center stage. I aim to ensure our township grows in a way that respects our heritage while embracing the opportunities of the future. Specifically, I am committed to enhancing beach safety by recruiting lifeguards and strengthening water safety protocols. Additionally, I want to improve public sewer access in neglected Lakeshore neighborhoods, ensuring that every resident benefits from modern infrastructure. I believe in listening to the concerns of our residents and taking tangible actions that reflect their needs, fostering a township where families feel safe, supported, and excited for the future.
- The critical issues in Park Township include ensuring water safety, upgrading infrastructure, and fostering a business-friendly environment. As an entrepreneur who has grown a company in our community from the ground up, I understand the challenges of making smart investments for long-term growth. That’s why I’m committed to recruiting more lifeguards and working with local leaders to implement stronger water safety measures at Holland State Park. Additionally, we must address the outdated sewer systems in certain neighborhoods—an issue I’ve heard about directly from customers in my business. With my background, I can lead efforts to secure funding and prioritize projects that will benefit our residents.
- As a business owner who built a presence in Park Township, I know that communication is key to building trust. Social media like Instagram and Facebook helps me connect with residents and share my vision. I’ll use these platforms to update residents on community projects, beach safety, and infrastructure improvements while inviting their input. I also recognize that not everyone uses social media. My experience with USPS Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) means I can reach residents directly with monthly recaps, project updates, and mail-in polls, ensuring everyone can stay informed and share their views. I am committed to being accessible. I respond personally to emails sent to info@votemaas.com, so residents can easily reach out.
The office of a Park Township Trustee serves as the direct link between Park Township residents and the decisions that affect their lives. It has the ability to prioritize local needs, like beach safety and infrastructure, making it a critical part of preserving the community’s unique character while guiding growth and improvement.
I want to leave a legacy of action and progress—a Park Township where safety, infrastructure, and community engagement are at the forefront. My hope is that the community feels empowered and connected, knowing their concerns were addressed and that I worked tirelessly to make our township an even better place to live.
An elected official must be transparent, accountable, and action-oriented. Transparency ensures that the community is informed and trust is built. Accountability means taking responsibility for decisions and being responsive to residents’ needs. Being action-oriented ensures that promises translate into tangible results, like improving infrastructure and safety in Park Township.
The core responsibilities include listening to residents, maintaining transparency, and advocating for their needs. It’s vital to ensure that every voice is heard and considered, from families seeking safer beaches to businesses looking for growth opportunities. The role also involves managing resources wisely to improve community infrastructure and safety.
I’d recommend “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek. It highlights the importance of servant leadership, where leaders put the needs of their community first. This philosophy resonates with my belief in building a better Park Township by prioritizing safety, infrastructure, and open communication.
Financial transparency is essential for building trust between residents and their leaders. I believe in providing clear, accessible updates on how tax dollars are being spent. Accountability means that every decision should be made with the residents’ best interests in mind, ensuring funds are used efficiently for critical projects like public sewer expansion and water safety.
I am passionate about public policies that improve quality of life, especially water safety, infrastructure improvement, and community engagement. My background as a swimmer drives my focus on making our beaches safer, like recruiting more lifeguards for Holland State Park. I also prioritize expanding public sewer access, particularly in underserved Lakeshore areas, to protect our environment and improve services. Lastly, I value community engagement, using digital platforms and direct mail to ensure every resident’s voice is heard in shaping Park Township’s future.
The Park Township Board plays a vital role in local governance, directly influencing the quality of life for residents. It connects state policies to the local community, ensuring that regional concerns like environmental conservation, infrastructure, and safety align with state regulations while addressing specific local needs.
One lesser-known responsibility is the board’s ability to allocate funds for infrastructure improvements and community programs. This power allows us to prioritize projects like expanding sewer systems and enhancing recreational facilities, making a direct impact on residents’ daily lives.
While experience can be beneficial, it’s not essential. What truly matters is understanding the community’s needs, being willing to listen, and having the drive to implement positive changes. My experience as a local business owner has taught me the importance of responsiveness and accountability—qualities that are crucial for this role.
Strong communication skills are crucial for engaging with residents and understanding their concerns. Budgeting and resource management skills are also important to ensure that tax dollars are used effectively. Finally, problem-solving skills help in addressing challenges like infrastructure improvements and safety enhancements.
I was a lifeguard at the Holland Community Aquatics center for 3 years!
I look up to my parents for their dedication to hard work and community. They taught me the value of serving others and taking pride in the impact you make, no matter the size. Their example inspires me to stay grounded and focused on doing what’s best for Park Township.
I am persistent, approachable, and solutions-driven. Building a business from the ground up taught me the importance of resilience, listening to others, and finding practical solutions to real problems. These qualities ensure that I will serve with integrity and a clear focus on achieving positive outcomes for our community.
Balancing my roles as a business owner, a student, and a community advocate has been a challenge. But through discipline and time management, I’ve learned how to maintain focus and keep moving forward, always aiming to improve myself and better serve those around me.
The last song that got stuck in my head was “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane. It’s an upbeat reminder that life has twists and turns, but you keep driving forward with optimism and energy.
My favorite book is Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. It emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and putting the needs of others first, a philosophy I believe is crucial for effective public service and building trust within a community.
Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field!
I’d choose to be Superman—not just for the strength but for the unwavering commitment to helping others and standing up for what’s right, no matter the challenges.
Senator Wendy McKamey, Valerie Van Heest, Lakeside Property Masters, Alex Cooper, Valerie Brenamen,
The first historical event I vividly remember is the 2008 financial crisis. I was around 5 years old and saw how it impacted many families and businesses in our community. It made me realize the importance of financial stability and community support, shaping my understanding of resilience and the role of leadership in challenging times.
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External links
[1] ↑ Submitted to Ballotpedia's candidate survey in 2024.
