Volunteer Highlight

Precinct Delegate and Candidate for District 3 County Commissioner, Orlando Estrada

Orlando Estrada

What do you love most about Ottawa county?

It's not only beautiful, but we also have the Lakeshore beaches and excellent parks. I also appreciate that Ottawa has a lot of services available to the Public. As someone who has  traveled the nation for nine years, I see a difference in how Ottawa County is managed and appreciate this in comparison to other Counties across America.

Tell us a little bit about where you grew up in Ottawa?

I was born and raised in the city of Holland. I graduated from Holland High School. I live in Holland Historical District/Tulip Lane where all the tulips are on the boulevard and enjoyed participating in the Tulip Time Parade when I attended Washington Elementary School. I’ve also participated in non-profits in Holland Public Schools and business. Holland is my home.

What are some of the tasks and volunteer opportunities you take advantage of in serving the Ottawa County Republican Party? 

I hand out literature for Republican causes and door-knock for candidates. I make it a point to talk to everyone in the community about valuable conservative-leaning issues. I make suggestions of how to improve the Party online and offline. I’m passionate about the Life issue and spend as much time as I can helping educate citizens about this important issue. I’ve also done extensive work through the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America which is an organization that goes door-to-door to educate people on the dangers of abortion to women while advocating for the choice of Life.

Why are you running for Commissioner of District 3? 

I am running for Commissioner of District 3 because I care about people and I believe there are other underserved communities in D3. This isn’t my first time running and there are still some issues that I feel have gone unaddressed that need to be embraced by the current board. 

There are two issues in particular:

1. Public Safety Transparency/Body Cameras: To prevent both the officer and civilian of being falsely accused and preventing unnecessary costs for both sides in our judicial system and to ensure they are properly installed. And also, although our Safety Department in OC has purchased these cameras, they will not be in the Department until well-after the beginning of 2025. I want to be part of voting for the important policy for how long data from these cameras will be stored, or where it is going to be stored. I believe my presence on the Board will lend itself strongly to this issue and accountability on this issue. 

2. Pro-creation—incentivizing people to live and work here in Ottawa County and primarily to encourage young mothers to keep their babies and to stay and live in Ottawa County. This could work through a voucher system for formula and diapers as well as programs that allow women to feel there is a community of support around them—We can encourage women to keep their babies if we build in a community of support. Republicans can be “pro-life” all they want, yet change doesn’t happen without actions to support women with unexpected pregnancies.