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FROM MUSKEGON FOR MUSKEGON
Made in Muskegon
Jason Kolkema was born and raised in Muskegon. He grew up in the Village of Fruitport along with his 6 siblings, most of whom still work, live, and are active in the Muskegon community. His father worked owned a sheet metal shop where Jason worked from a young age. His father taught him the virtues of hard work and enterprise. His mother, who was the youngest of 9 Tardani children is also from the City of Muskegon. As a homemaker who held the family together when his father was working, she taught him compassion, empathy, and the importance of service to the community.
Jason has 3 children of his own: his oldest son, Logan, who recently turned 26; his 21-year-old son, Max, who was recently accepted into the Eli Broad College of Business at MSU where he is studying supply chain management; and his 14-year-old daughter, Estella, who is a brilliant artist and is attending high school.
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QUALIFICATIONS
WORK
Jason worked for a municipal defense law firm in Lansing representing municipalities – primarily cities, charter townships, counties, and community mental health authorities – and their employees in civil litigation in both the Michigan and federal courts.
He served as a due process hearing officer receiving appointments from the Michigan Department of Education in disputes between parents and school districts from 1999-2007. He personally presided over dozens of due process hearing requests throughout Michigan, four of which ultimately resulted in the issuance of a decision and order.
In total, 25 years of experience as an attorney handling all types of criminal and civil cases within the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court.
VOLUNTEER
Village of Fruitport, Village Council Member (May 2015 - Nov. 2016)
Village of Fruitport, Planning Commission (Jan. 2015 - Nov. 2016)
Ingham County Circuit Court, Case Evaluator (2003 - 2013)
Shiawassee County Circuit Court, Case Evaluator (2002 - 2013)
The City of East Lansing, Zoning Board of Appeals (2003 - 2008)
Autism Society of Michigan, Board of Directors (1998 - 2002)
EDUCATION
Fruitport High School (1989)
Michigan State University (1992)
University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law (1996)
Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Political Science (MSU)
Juris Doctor degree (U of D-M)