Allegan County Legal Assistance Center marks 13 years

The Allegan County Legal Assistance Center (ACLAC) celebrated its thirteenth year with a fundraising dinner on Tuesday September 23. Hosted by Steve and Cheri Schulz at a large barn on their Fox Creek Homestead in Allegan, the event drew judges, elected officials, ACLAC board members, county staff, and community members who support the organization.

The Allegan County Legal Assistance Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides well-trained staff, interns, and volunteers to assist people facing a civil legal matter in Allegan County. Persons who self-represent in court are assisted, at no charge, in filing court forms and responding to complaints. They are also oriented to the legal process. No legal advice is given.

Casco Township provides $3,000 to ACLAC annually. Allegan County residents can request legal assistance at the Allegan County Courthouse, 113 Chestnut Street, Allegan on a walk-in basis, over the phone, or via Zoom with an appointment.

Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks was the featured speaker. Bocks talked about the cohesion and camaraderie currently experienced by members of the Holland City Council. Acknowledging that this dynamic is not necessarily common in this time of political polarization, he outlined a few principles that underlie the council's dynamic.

"We will not speak about anything outside of our jurisdiction," he said of the Council, freeing the elected officials to refrain from sharing opinions and writing letters of support about external topics that can be divisive. Bocks described this decision as a way to preserve "only so much time, patience and goodwill" that community leaders have while engaged in serving the public.

Bocks claimed that the council of nine is "fiercely non-partisan." He went on to say the Council has decided "to speak with one voice. There is no dissension after the vote," even if the vote is not unanimous.

The third "superpower" Mayor Bocks offered was the decision to require civil discourse between each other and from the public. In Holland Council meetings, the public is allotted five minutes per person for public comment. While this is a generous block of time, Bocks and the council seek to give the public ample voice and be a body who spends time listening to community concerns and issues.

The Access to Justice Award, an annual honor, was awarded by the Honorable Margaret Zuzich Bakker, 48th Circuit Judge in Allegan County. Judge Bakker presented a plaque to County leadership. The tribute honored Allegan County leadership including Administrator Robert J. Sarro and the Board of Commissioners in appreciation for their support of the ACLAC vision. The Access to Justice Award acknowledged support the Allegan County Legal Assistance Center has received from the County since its inception. The County has provided physical space in the downtown courthouse and amenities such as phones, computers, copy machines, security, and janitorial support.

Casco Township Treasurer Kenny Clevenger was among Township officials present at the event. Also present was Casco Township resident Linda Teeter, who is the ACLAC Director of Finance and Fundraising; and Brad Lubbers, County Commissioner for district 3, which includes Casco Township.

The Allegan County Legal Assistance Center was founded on July 30, 2012 after Judge Bakker identified the need for legal assistance. She led a group of community members to found the organization which has served over 34,000 people.

Left to right, Commissioners Gale Dugan and Scott Beltman; Chief Judge Bakker; County Administrator Rob Sarro; Commissioners Brad Lubbers and Mark DeYoung; and former Commissioner Jim Storey.