News

Actions

Kent Co. Drain Commissioner to retire after 2016

Posted at 9:56 AM, Jan 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-26 09:56:56-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Kent County will be needing a new Drain Commissioner.

Bill Byl, who has served as the Kent County Drain Commissioner for ten years announced Monday that he will not seek a fourth term in November 2016.

Byl will be ending his 30-year political career to an end at the end of 2016.  He served for eight years on the Kent County Board of Commissioners, six years in Lansing as representative for the 75th District, and the past ten years as Drain Commissioner.

In a release from Kent County, Byl says: “Next November will be the 50th anniversary of my first job in construction, the 30th anniversary of my first election to the County Board, my 10th anniversary as Drain Commissioner, and my 70th birthday, all within a few week’s span. It seems to be the right time to move on.”

Byl lives in Grand Rapids with his wife Annette and have four grown children and five grandchildren. “We hope to be able to see a lot more of them in the coming years,” said Byl.