Katie DeBoer is a constitutional conservative running for reelection for Kent County Commissioner in District 4. District 4 includes Cannon Township, Courtland Township, the City of Rockford, and the southern portion of Nelson Township.
Katie is deeply concerned about government overreach in our daily lives, the health and development of our children, and the overregulation for small businesses.  Government is meant to "secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity."  Katie aims to reestablish the blessings of liberty here in Kent County.
Katie is a down-to-earth local patriot who earnestly desires to rightly represent WE THE PEOPLE. She has a fighter’s spirit, a humble heart, and an astute mind.

Kent County Specific Issues

Authority of Commission

Over these last two years, there were many times I was frustrated with the direction of our administration, sometimes even feeling as though I didn't have a voice on matters.  I do not believe this is how it should be.  Commissioners are the representatives of the people, not those in bureaucratic positions.  I will continue to advocate for the authority of the Board of Commissioners.  I feel this is an incredibly important issue and can bring about much better governance to our county.  

Lower Millage Rates

I believe we're doing a disservice to our constituents if we're not readily advocating for lower millage rates.  I also get frustrated when I hear that a savings will be a less tax burden because it almost always gets reallocated elsewhere. I'm proud to share that most of our caucus held the line against an increase in your property tax, and I also voted against the millage renewal entirely.  I will continue to advocate for a lower tax burden for my constituents.

Prioritizing Statutory Responsibilities

Counties have many statutory responsibilities that are our "essential" services.  We should be fully funding and prioritizing these services first.  For instance, public safety must come before other discretionary spending.  It is our duty to provide what is required by law, then to consider other worthwhile services.

Fiscal Stewardship

I'm thankful that Kent County, in my opinion, does a good job being fiscal stewards.  Kent County readily seeks grant opportunities instead of using taxpayer money for new services.  Kent County also has a AAA bond rating and keeps bond debt quite low.  I will continue to support and advocate for good fiscal stewardship of taxpayer money.

Katie's Government Experience

Kent County Board of Commission: January 2023 - present

Kent County Grand Rapids Public Museum Board: January 2025 - present

Kent County Department of Public Works Board: January 2025 - present

Kent County Operations & Policy Committee: January 2025 - present

Kent County Childhood Task Force: August 2024 - present

Kent County Veteran Services Committee: January 2024 - present

Michigan Association of Counties Finance and General Government Committee: January 2023 - present

Kent County Legislative & Human Resources Committee: January 2023 - 2024

Kent County Community Mental Health (Network 180) Board: January 2023 - 2024

Kent County Township Liaison: January 2023 - December 2023

Cannon Township Board of Trustees: September 2020 - December 2022

Cannon Township Zoning Board of Appeals: January 2019 - December 2022

Cannon Township Parks & Recreation Committee: January 2020 - August 2020

 

About Katie

CHRISTIAN.

I am an imperfect person saved by the redeeming grace of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our family attends Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville. My husband and I were involved in the children's ministry at our previous church in 2015 and 2016. I've also attended Woman's Bible Study groups regularly from 2019 to present. My life is a testament of the Lord's faithfulness to me. He has given me far more than I deserve; the work of my hands comes from the thankfulness of my heart.

MOTHER.

I'm a mother to three active and fun kids and wife to my husband of fourteen years.  Our kids are 11, 9, and 6, and are the most well-behaved kids in Kent County (yeah, right!).  Truthfully, we are an imperfect family navigating this stressful period of life.  I can empathize with every parent who is simply trying to do the best for their children.  My children are sometimes a great stress, but always the best motivator.   I am beyond blessed to be a mother and to care for the well-being of these young lives.

PATRIOT.

I love my country.  I love its foundational principles and values.  Like our founders, I value liberty above safety and freewill above collectivistic mentalities.  Unfortunately, I believe our government has slowly become a hurdle to an individual's pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.  However, there is always hope.  Many people have sacrificed and fought for this country, and I intend to honor them in my contributions.  A government's main responsibility is to protect the right of WE THE PEOPLE, not infringe on those rights.

SMALL BUSINESS OWNER.

My husband and I own Cutting Edge Hardscapes, an outdoor hardscaping business, and also Bear Creek Building & Properties, a small residential construction business.  I am a licensed builder and realtor in the State of Michigan.  I previously owned and operated Rockford Riddler, a riddle scavenger hunt business played in the City of Rockford, but have since suspended operations.  I have a good grasp on small business executive oversight and administration and empathize with many other business owners during this difficult last couple years.

HOMESCHOOL CO-OP FOUNDER AND LEADER.

Like many other parents, these past few years have been incredibly difficult navigating an often tumultuous educational system.  For my children's sake, we could no longer be under that system.  In September of 2021, with the help of many courageous, hard-working, and action oriented parents, I started a homeschool co-op.  It was a huge learning curve, and full of many challenges.  The co-op has become a second family; I am so thankful for them!

EXPERIENCED AND EDUCATED.

I graduated in 2022 with an MBA, Finance concentration.  I have also taught at Cornerstone University as an adjunct professor of government.  My own undergraduate degree is actually in Social Work, but, after working in the field for a couple years, I realized my mind desired more analytical challenge and stimulation.  I went back to school in chemistry, and, although I never finished my chemistry education, I have worked in chemical laboratories and data and safety compliance at Perrigo, Amway, and Steelcase from 2010 to 2019.  In 2019, I left the corporate world and focused more on my children and our small businesses.  I ran for Cannon Township Trustee in 2020 and Kent County Commission in 2022.  My commission committee assignments include Veteran's Services (Jan 2024-present), Operations & Policy, (Jan 2025-present), Board of Public Works (Jan 2025-present), Grand Rapids Public Museum (Jan 2025-present), Legislative & Human Resources (2023-2024), Network 180 (2023-2024), and County/Township Liaison (2023).  I'm also on the Michigan Association of Counties Finance and General Government Committee.

SMART AND INNOVATIVE.

I built this website myself, and every word is written by me.  I can also navigate my way through various coding languages, have built databases, and am proficient in data analytics and visualizations.  I am an unconventional and creative thinker, but also analytical and logical.  I graduated magna cum laude from my master's program.

 

Katie's Values

Our Children's Wellbeing

Over the last few years, I believe we have decimated our children's wellbeing. During Covid, I don't believe masks should have been required. Critical Race Theory has no place in a K-12 classroom. However, we must not disengage. We must stand up and respectfully voice our concerns. The answer is replace bad leaders with good ones. Get involved!

Hard Work

I'm dumbfounded how many people are unwilling to work hard, challenge themselves intellectually, or learn a new skill. If we aren't wiling to put in earnest effort into what we do, we are doomed. Due diligence, hard work, and learning opportunities must always be prioritized over entertainment. I have quite humble beginnings, but we have been mildly successful due to our grit, long work days and nights, and ability to learn quickly. I'm thankful for the opportunity to give back to my community.

Deregulation

It confounds me how some politicians, many with good intentions, believe that more regulations, more laws, and more policies are necessary. Regulations' main purpose should be to protect the rights and liberties of individuals, not to complicate the life of law-abiding people. Americans are suffering from the growing epidemic of political regulatory arrogance. The regulatory environment is far too complex and impractical for most people, especially business owners. Our liberties and freedoms are a prerequisite for success.

Pro-life

I would not be where I am today without my children. Having kids is one of the best character builders in life. Sacrificing personal aspirations for the sake of another teaches humility. It is a small representation of what Jesus Christ did for us. I fervently believe that life begins at conception, and that a baby is always a blessing.

Bureaucratic Accountability

We must stop voting for politicians with extreme arrogance, deep personal struggles, and addictions. You can't truly lead from behind. While I still struggle, I am relatively healthy, have a good marriage, and am a loving and present mother. The public must be actively informed and hold hold their politicians accountable. Have conversations with and question your representative on why they vote as they do.

Medical Freedom

No autonomous adult needs another person making medical decisions for them. Medical mandates are in direct opposition to the liberties on which this country was founded. Your body is your own, not someone else's. You make the decisions. (Also, FYI, an unborn baby has its own body; it is not the mother's body.) Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and cutting down on sugar can do far more for your long-term health than a vaccine ever can or will. Be responsible for your own health.

Second Amendment

I wholeheartedly support your second amendment liberties. However guised, it seems the fear of the unknown is the basis for most gun control arguments. The greater education, familiarity, and comfort one possess with gun use, the more likely one is to support the second amendment. Education is key. I cannot, will not support, nor fully understand, politicians who advocate for gun control without ever personally controlling a gun. Before even thinking of such policy, every advocate of gun control should have the experience and education to make such a decision.

Religous Liberty

Every American has the right to practice religion as seen fit, and the government should have no say in it. Yet, our state has shut down church services during the pandemic. In doing so, our government has acted as a religious and spiritual authority. Our country's history is rich with Christianity, and the state must not prohibit the free exercise of religion.