Benjamin Westveer

Hastings Charter Township  ·  Barry County, Michigan

Benjamin
Westveer

Trustee  ·  Re-Election 2026

Rooted in service. Invested in Hastings.

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Why I'm Here

I chose Hastings. Here's why.

After 22 years in the Air Force, my family and I could have settled anywhere in Michigan. We chose Hastings — deliberately — because of the people, the schools, and the kind of community we wanted to raise our family in. That meant everything to us.

I grew up an hour from here in Alpine Township, Kent County — Kenowa Hills schools. This is home ground, not foreign territory.

Since we arrived, I've substituted and volunteered in local schools, joined the PTO, applied for the Township Board, and started a land services business here. I'm not passing through. I'm planting roots.

But good trustees don't just show up with their own agenda — they listen. I want to hear what matters to you. Knock on my door, stop me at the school, flag me down on the road. That's how this is supposed to work.

What I Stand For

Issues that matter to this township

Public Safety First

Safe roads, reliable emergency services, and a community where families feel secure. This is the foundation. Everything else builds on it.

Protect This Land

I work this land professionally. Utility-scale solar farms and data centers that convert farmland, woodland, and grassland have no place here. Personal and rooftop solar? Smart. Parking lot solar? Great. But we are not trading our fields and forests for industrial energy infrastructure.

Honest Fiscal Responsibility

I won't promise "no taxes ever" — that's a bumper sticker, not governing. Every dollar will be justified. I'll fight wasteful spending, but I won't let this township crumble to score political points. Good government costs something. I'll make sure you get what you pay for.

Reasonable Growth

Hastings Charter Township should grow — but on our terms. Growth that fits our community, respects our character, and serves the people who already live here.

My Background

22 years. United States Air Force.

I planned operations involving billions of dollars and thousands of military members. I managed budgets, led teams under pressure, and made decisions that mattered. I was trusted with the nation's highest security clearance because people knew I'd do the right thing even when no one was watching.

I've been an Arctic subject matter expert, a strategic planner, a survival instructor, and a senior NCO. I've led joint exercises across multiple nations, built programs from scratch, and identified problems before they became crises. That discipline and accountability is what I bring to our Township Board.

Meritorious Service Medal ×3 Air & Space Commendation Medal ×3 Army Commendation Medal Air & Space Achievement Medal ×3

Get In Touch

This seat belongs to the people of Hastings Charter Township.

I work alongside you. My kids are in our schools. My business is on our land. I'm asking for our community's trust — and I'll earn it every time I show up and every time I listen.

Benjamin Westveer
Hastings Charter Township Trustee
Star School Rd, Hastings, MI 49058
(616) 666-9452  ·  benjamin.j.westveer@gmail.com