SE Grand Rapids News

Chris Nelson is seeking the Republican nomination to serve as a Keene Township Trustee for a four-year term. The primary election will be held on August 6.

Ionia County's candidate list shows Nelson facing Jerrad Higgins, Sandy Smiley, and Nate Wolff in the GOP primary against. Voters may choose up to two candidates.

In a Q&A with the Daily News, Nelson revealed that he owns several businesses: N6 Towing and Recovery, N6 Auto Repair and N6 Design and Fabrication. Nelson has more than three decades of experience managing both large and small businesses, and he believes that experience will serve him well as a Keene Township Trustee.

Nelson also emphasized his commitment to personal property rights. As he told the Daily News, "I want to protect the rights of the property owners and their long history with the township. I don’t feel it is my right to infringe on your property just because I won’t like the view. If you follow the rules then you can do what you want on your land." 

In the Q&A, he shared his main objective as a Trustee if he is elected, saying his "goal is to bring back peace and calmness to the township. We have been fighting amongst our neighbors for far too long. Let’s get back to being cordial and friendly to one another. I am tired of being on opposite sides on certain issues. Keene is a beautiful, friendly township and we need to keep it that way."

In a press release, Private Property Rights PAC — a political action committee whose "mission is to safeguard and promote the ownership and control of private property" — endorsed Nelson, stating that he "has demonstrated a profound commitment to the principles of property rights and governance that respect the rights of individual property owners" and praising his stance against government overreach. 

Private Property Rights PAC Senior Adviser Madeline Morris expressed confidence in Nelson's commitment to private property rights and government transparency and accountability, predicting that he "will help protect the foundational rights that are vital to personal freedom and economic stability" in Keene Township.

The Keene Township Board comprises two trustees.

According to the Michigan Townships Association, township trustees act as township legislators and are required to vote on all issues. They are also responsible for the fiduciary health of the township and for carrying out any other duties assigned by the township board. Trustees are elected to four-year terms.