Oliver Shampine, a twenty-one-year-old candidate for the District 10 seat of the Ottawa County Commission, brings a distinct perspective that resonates with both older and younger voters. While he has gained plenty of experience in the food service industry, Oliver’s true passion lies in engaging youth to represent their values and vote.

Oliver’s commitment to engaging younger voters stems from his own early involvement in politics, driven by his care for his community and the planet. Despite being too young to vote, he wanted his voice to be heard and began by knocking on doors for a gubernatorial candidate, where he discovered the true essence of the political process: listening and genuinely hearing people.

From that pivotal moment, Oliver dedicated himself to politics. He became an intern for that gubernatorial candidate, has been a regular attendee of city-related meetings, and volunteered in differing capacities for numerous campaigns ranging from the local to the presidential level. Additionally, Oliver has experience as an intern with a Michigan State House Representative, as well as with the City Managers and City Planner of Grand Haven, where he gained valuable insights into governance and community planning, including the importance of fiscal responsibility.

Oliver’s government experience has instilled in him a deep appreciation for fiscal responsibility. He understands the importance of managing budgets effectively and ensuring taxpayer money is used wisely. This commitment to fiscal responsibility, along with his proven ability to run a campaign, manage an administration, and navigate the challenges of divisive politics, will guide his approach to governance as Ottawa County Commissioner. Oliver believes that we must triumph over the darkness of divisiveness, in order to create a brighter future for all families and residents of Ottawa County, regardless of age or background.

Oliver values strong family connections and believes that supporting families is essential for a thriving community. His experience as a Tri-Cities YMCA Summer Day Camp Counselor and his role as the Youth and Children’s Ministry Coordinator at St. John’s Episcopal Church have reinforced his belief in the importance of family values. Through these roles, Oliver has seen firsthand the brightness of children, their optimism, humor, and unique perspective. He understands that children care deeply about the world around them, their families, friends, and their futures. This experience has fueled Oliver’s commitment to building a brighter future for Ottawa County, one that supports working families and strengthens communities.

Seeing so many in his community, especially families, suffering – Oliver really began to wonder why. His experience with talking with all people and educating himself through reading and his pursuit of a degree in Public Administration and Sociology at Grand Valley State University, he has developed comprehensive campaign pillars based on building a brighter future for Ottawa County.