John Wetzel is a Republican running for state senate in Michigan's 31st district which includes most of Ottawa County and Laketown and Fillmore Townships in Allegan County. The seat is currently held by Senator Roger Victory who is unable to run again due to term limits.
Neighbor,
People move to Ottawa because of our world class education, beautiful natural resources, vibrant downtown, quality of life and thriving economy. We must work to protect the things that make it so desirable while managing the areas that need improvement.
First and foremost, Michigan's education system is failing. Period. It is failing our families, failing our kids, and failing the businesses that rely on it to produce workforce-ready young adults. We have to do something and it needs to happen now. Reading, writing and math are the foundation for life. This is urgent.
The potential for AI data centers, unachievable renewable energy standards and one-size-fits-all zoning and siting ordinances deter families and businesses from locating in Ottawa. We must manage the cost of these sweeping changes so as to refrain from driving people away from Ottawa.
Michigan needs major property tax reform. 32 years ago, Proposal A provided much needed relief from unchecked millages. Now, with property values constantly increasing (which is a good thing!), we need to find a way to balance the cost to residents while still providing the vital services that property taxes support.
And finally, community safety will always be a priority. I support properly funding our law enforcement and providing the resources they need to do their jobs: patrolling our streets, locking up violent criminals, and working with the community.
I hope to earn your vote in the coming months and look forward to hearing from you at any time.
John
616-292-3382
John Wetzel is a lifelong West Michigan resident, business owner, and community leader who believes Michigan’s best days are still ahead.
John comes from a long line of blue-collar workers and farmers. While he didn’t grow up on a farm himself, agriculture was always part of his life. Summers were often spent helping local farmers bale hay and working alongside his grandfather, “Skip,” on the family farm in Morley, Michigan.
Raised in Rockford, John remembers a very different version of the community than the one we see today. From a young age, his father kept him busy chopping wood, feeding chickens, and helping in the garage working on older vehicles. Many summers were spent lending a hand to nearby farmers or helping his grandfather on the farm. Outside of work, John enjoyed hunting and ice skating with his brother on a small pond behind their home, often on well-worn hand-me-down skates.
Those early experiences shaped John’s belief in the value of hard work, personal responsibility, and strong community values. He believes those principles, along with real opportunity for the next generation, have slowly been eroding and must be restored.
John graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Business and Information Systems. After college, he began a comfortable corporate career but ultimately found it unfulfilling. Despite advice from those around him, he chose to take a risk and start his own business.
More than 20 years ago, John founded Pure POS, Inc., a Michigan-based company that now serves hundreds of hospitality businesses across the Midwest. Through decades of working directly with restaurant owners and entrepreneurs, John has gained firsthand insight into the challenges facing Michigan families and small businesses.
John is not a career politician. He is a problem solver. He understands budgets, job creation, and what it takes to build something from the ground up. Having never been handed anything, he believes government should operate with the same common-sense discipline that families and businesses rely on every day.
John is running to bring practical solutions and real-world experience to Lansing. He believes Michigan needs fewer career politicians and more leaders who understand how hard people work for their money and who will treat taxpayer dollars with the same care and respect.
Join friends, neighbors, and supporters as we officially kick off John Wetzel’s campaign for State Senate. This is a great opportunity to meet John, hear about his vision for Michigan, and connect with others who care about the future of our community.
Whether you’re curious about the campaign or ready to get involved, we’d love to see you there.
Come enjoy great conversation, connect with fellow supporters, and help us launch a campaign focused on results for Michigan.
Michigan families don’t need more speeches, they need solutions. John is focused on practical policies that strengthen our economy, support small businesses, and protect the communities we call home.
Cut unnecessary state spending to reduce the tax burden on families and small businesses.
Attract high-growth industries that create stable, long-term jobs in Michigan.
Empower local entrepreneurs with stronger small-business support and resources.
Invest in workforce training programs that prepare Michiganders for in-demand careers.
Ensure every vote is counted accurately and in accordance with the law.
Strengthen election security so results are clear and beyond doubt.
Promote voter ID standards that protect the integrity of the process.
Restore confidence in our elections for every Michigander, regardless of party.
Work with local leaders to expand responsible housing development.
Address zoning challenges that limit supply and drive up costs.
Improve transportation access to connect residents with affordable options.
Expanding school of choice options to not only public schools but private schools as well.
Expanding transportation options to allow parents the ability to get their children to the correct learning environment that best suits them.
Put parents back in control of the education of their children, they know them the best out of all of us.
John believes leadership starts locally. He has been involved with:
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Local church community
High school athletics officiating for over 20 years
Michigan’s future depends on engaged citizens. There’s a place for everyone to help.
Your support helps us reach more voters and build momentum across the district.
Every contribution makes a difference.
