Meet the Candidates: City of Whitehall Election 2025

On November 4, 2025, voters in the City of Whitehall will decide on the city’s next mayor and members of the city council. Two candidates are running for mayor, and eight candidates are vying for three open council seats. The following profiles highlight each candidate, sharing their background, priorities, and vision for the future of Whitehall. Where candidates provided written statements or responses to questions, their words are presented here. If a candidate did not provide a response, it is noted.

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Mayoral Candidates

Steven A. Salter

Candidate Statement – Steven S. Salter

I have lived in Whitehall for over 40 years, raising my family here and working locally, including for one of our area’s major employers, Howmet. I also served our country as a Vietnam veteran. Whitehall has always been home to me, and I care deeply about its future.

My involvement in city government began as a concerned citizen, regularly attending council meetings, sitting in the front row, and listening carefully to the issues facing our community. That commitment led to an appointment to the Planning Commission, then to City Council, where I later served as mayor pro tem. For the past four years, I have had the honor of serving as mayor.

My many years of service mean I know how city government works, and I have consistently put in the time to represent residents faithfully. I am visible and accessible — people see me at businesses, community events, and city and county meetings.

Looking ahead, my positive agenda includes protecting the Playhouse, supporting a strong and vibrant downtown, making steady progress on our roads, and always listening to residents. Experience matters, and I am committed to keeping Whitehall strong.

Salter for MAYOR Facebook page

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Tom Ziemer

Tom Ziemer moved to Whitehall five years ago and says concerns from residents about roads and accountability in city government motivated him to run. After being elected to City Council two years ago, he worked to bring transparency to the city’s board appointment process.

“I realized that my business experience would help me to be a better mayor,” Ziemer said. He describes himself as analytical and focused on building consensus.

Ziemer’s priorities include financial responsibility, tackling road repairs more aggressively, and finding a sustainable plan for the Playhouse. He also advocates for better communication with residents, including more thorough surveys and visible announcements about city meetings.

“I look forward to helping our City Manager implement better systems to improve transparency and accountability,” Ziemer said.

Tom Ziemer Facebook page

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Council Member Candidates

Scott Brown

Incumbent Scott Brown is running for re-election, motivated by what he calls a need for change in city leadership. “Trying to rid the city of the Good Old Boys club” is a key driver in his campaign.

Brown points to accomplishments such as securing a dedicated DPW employee for sidewalk clearing and raising awareness of Playhouse finances. His top concerns are money, road repairs, and transparency.

“I continually bring things to the council that our citizens bring to me, and will always continue on that path,” Brown said. He describes his style as straightforward and focused on listening to the community as a whole.

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Billie Conrad

Billie Conrad has lived in Whitehall since 2004 and is an Army veteran and teacher at Whitehall District Schools. Conrad emphasizes open communication and collaboration, saying her top priority is to “listen first and truly understand the needs and concerns of our community.”

Her background in the Army, where she worked alongside NGOs in Kosovo, taught her the importance of listening and problem-solving. As a teacher, she values evidence-based decisions and teamwork.

Conrad highlights Whitehall’s small-town community, library, and access to the outdoors as the city’s greatest strengths. “Whitehall has helped my family grow stronger, and I want every resident to experience that same sense of connection, opportunity, and support,” she said.

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Daniel N. Hardy

Daniel N. Hardy has lived in Whitehall for the past four years, following nearly four decades in Grand Haven. Born and raised in Rockford, Hardy has been married to his grade school sweetheart, Kim, for 48 years.

Hardy is a retired healthcare operations manager with more than 40 years of experience leading clinical engineering, telecommunications, and project management. His career also took him abroad, where he periodically worked and taught in Ghana, Nigeria, Indonesia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and with Mercy Ships. Earlier in his career, he worked in tool and die for plastic injection molds.

Hardy describes himself as both a constitutional and financial conservative, noting his strong support for the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. His personal interests include amateur radio, storm spotting with Muskegon County Emergency Communication Services, power boating, and active membership at St. James Lutheran Church in Montague.

Hardy says he is running for council to bring his leadership, career experience, and values to city governance. His priorities include listening and responding to all residents, ensuring tax dollars are spent efficiently, following best practices in city management, and maintaining infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, water, sewer, and parks.

“I believe my career experience, leadership, and personal values will enhance Whitehall city governance,” Hardy said. “It would be my pleasure and honor to serve you as Whitehall City Councilman.”

Daniel Hardy for Whitehall City Councilman Facebook page

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Jeffrey D. Holmstrom

Incumbent Jeffrey Holmstrom is seeking re-election, motivated by a desire to continue serving the community he grew up in. A lifelong resident, Holmstrom previously worked as a firefighter and paramedic before retiring and joining city council.

“I like to be able to make a difference in my community by utilizing my knowledge and background to make proper and prudent decisions,” Holmstrom said.

He points to accomplishments such as new playground equipment, updated decorations downtown, and the creation of public gathering spaces. His priorities include roads, replacing lead service lines, and keeping Whitehall financially stable.

Holmstrom envisions Whitehall as a “destination” for visitors and residents alike, balancing new initiatives with fiscal responsibility.

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Bryan Mahan

Retired teacher and coach Bryan Mahan comes from a family with a history of public service. “Now that I am retired, I can pursue this urge to serve, and the City of Whitehall is a great place to start,” he said.

Mahan values the community’s small-town feel, arts, culture, and natural beauty. He emphasizes teamwork, results-driven leadership, and listening to residents. “I don’t need to be the one that comes up with the idea, I just want to make sure the best ideas are promoted and used,” he said.

Among his priorities are maintaining the Playhouse, budgeting for roads, and fostering a functional working environment on council.

Vote Bryan Mahan Facebook page

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Mark S. Nienhouse

Mark Nienhouse, a retired Air Force veteran and longtime Whitehall resident, says his interest in city government began when he saw how long it took to repair Warner Street near his home.

Nienhouse highlights infrastructure, roads, sidewalks, and Playhouse finances as key issues. His leadership style is “proactive, but measured,” and he stresses fiscal responsibility.

“I would like to see TIFA and LDFA’s funding reduced and that money put into roads for the good of all residents,” Nienhouse said.

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John Robillard

We reached out to candidate John Robillard but did not receive a response.

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Roger Squiers

Roger Squiers, retired after 46 years in municipal government including 14 years as Whitehall’s police chief, is seeking a council seat after being encouraged by city employees.

“I have embraced Whitehall as ‘my town’ and care a great deal about what is happening in our city,” Squiers said. He emphasizes servant leadership and being accessible to residents.

His priorities include maintaining services, continuing roadway improvements, and carefully weighing the implications of council decisions. Squiers also highlights the importance of manufacturing to Whitehall’s long-term success, as well as community events that bring residents together.

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Looking Ahead

Whitehall voters face an important decision on November 4, 2025. With two mayoral candidates and eight council candidates, the election offers a range of perspectives and visions for the city’s future. From roads and infrastructure to the Playhouse and financial responsibility, the issues are many — but each candidate brings their own story and commitment to Whitehall.

This election is a chance for residents to make their voices heard and help shape the direction of their community.

Stay connected to what’s happening in our area by visiting CatchMark Community.