Mark Ritzema: Lowell’s Newest Councilmember

Back in 2017, Mark Ritzema’s name was on the ballot for Lowell City Council. However, the longtime resident experienced some health concerns that resulted in him suspending his campaign.

“I told people, ‘don’t vote for me’ and I lost by one vote,” he says.

However, Ritzema is on Lowell City Council now. He was selected from four applicants to fill the term of Leah Groves, who resigned from the body for personal reasons.

“A couple councilmembers have been begging me to get on,” Ritzema says. So when he saw applications were being accepted, he submitted his name for consideration. His first meeting was on Dec. 5, 2024.

Long Career in Law Enforcement

Ritzema, 71, has spent most of his life in Lowell. He became an Eagle Scout through Troop 102 and graduated with the Lowell High School Class of ’72.

After graduation, he attended what was then known as Grand Rapids Junior College before eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Aquinas College. Ritzema would eventually also earn a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University.

Although retired now, Ritzema spent most of his career – 35 years — in law enforcement and served with both the Kent County Sherriff’s Office and the Lowell Police Department. Insurance fraud investigations were his specialty.

Today, Ritzema and his wife Annette enjoy life along the Flat River, and Lowell’s newest councilmember is grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of keeping the city a positive place to live.

Fiscal Responsibility a Priority

For Ritzema, his motivation to join Lowell City Council was simple: “Lowell is home,” he says. “I want to be sure it stays in good shape.”

Specifically, he is focused on fiscal responsibility, noting that the state has stepped in and appointed emergency managers to oversee communities that ran into financial trouble.

“I don’t want to see that here,” Ritzema says. “I want the city to stay fiscally sound.” He adds that’s why he asked whether city dollars would be used for a partnership with the nonprofit Lions & Rabbits before voting on it during one of his first meetings.

Keeping Lowell Vibrant

Vibrancy is another word that comes up when Ritzema talks about his hopes for the city.

“It was a great place to grow up,” he says, reflecting on his childhood. While the town has twice the population now, he wants to keep it a place with lots of activities while still maintaining its small hometown feel.

While other communities have seen their downtowns deteriorate or disappear, Lowell is a vibrant place that encourages new businesses and construction, according to Ritzema. He points to the walkable downtown, and the many restaurants, businesses and post office which can all be reached on foot.

“The (city) manager is doing a great job of using the marijuana money to fix streets,” he adds.

Ritzema doesn’t have any specific initiatives or goals in mind for his time on Lowell City Council, and while his current term expires at the end of the year, he says it is too soon to know if he’ll decide to run for a full term this fall. For now, Lowell’s newest councilmember says he is focused on soaking up information and learning all he can about the issues facing the community.

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