Sara Bajema

I have spent my career serving the West Michigan community by supporting local businesses, families, and organizations through periods of growth and change. With more than 20 years of experience in banking, I have worked closely with individuals and small business owners to help strengthen local economies and promote long-term stability.

My commitment to West Michigan is rooted in a belief that thriving communities depend on access, collaboration, and informed decision-making. I am passionate about expanding opportunities, bridging gaps, and ensuring that community voices, especially those of small business owners, are heard and understood.

Through my work in commercial real estate, I continue to support responsible growth that benefits West Michigan’s neighborhoods and business districts. I bring a practical, community-minded perspective focused on sustainability, transparency, and shared success.

As a board member, I am committed to thoughtful advocacy that supports transparency, economic opportunity, and policies that strengthen West Michigan communities for the long term. I am proud to contribute my experience and local insight in service of the region I call home.

I chose to join the PAC board to be an advocate for constructive dialogue around issues that impact West Michigan communities and to support thoughtful, community-centered advocacy. As a board member, I am committed to civic engagement, economic opportunity, and policies that strengthen the region for the long term.

Ottawa Integrity PAC is pleased to announce its partnership with newly formed Livingston Integrity PAC. The two groups have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, aligning their missions and agreeing to operate under the same principles of integrity. 

The partnership was born when Livingston County activists Julie Ohashi and Cori Charbonneau, who founded the grassroots group Hartland Truth, approached leaders of Ottawa Integrity PAC earlier this year with a desire to join forces in pursuit of good governance. 

Ottawa Integrity PAC Founder and Interim Executive Director Kim Nagy said, “We are thrilled to partner with citizen leaders in Livingston County who are facing the same challenges we have in Ottawa: extremists with no actual desire to govern, but who seek to impose a far-right agenda on our communities.” 

Ohashi said, “Hartland Truth has been watching our Board of Education and administration be on the receiving end of agenda-fueled attacks. We recognized the need to organize and move forward as a PAC to keep extremists from taking over our local government. We connected with Ottawa Integrity because they have been facing the same issues. We wanted to utilize their expertise in being received by moderate voters, who share a concern about where our local politics are headed. We need to reach out to those not necessarily aligned on all the political issues, but who want to see consensus in government in a way that works for the people, not for political ideology and culture wars. 

“We look forward to working with Ottawa Integrity and are excited about partnering with those who share our vision. Hopefully other communities across the state, especially in deep red rural districts, will realize that they are not alone and reach out to connect for resources and support.” 

Ottawa and Livingston PAC adhere to the Principles of Integrity: 

-Commitment to democracy and democratic solutions

-Commitment to honesty, transparency, and insight

-Commitment to the dignity of individuals, families, and the natural beauty in our community

and agree to work on behalf of their communities to support candidates, institutions and initiatives that reflect these principles. Both are nonpartisan political action committees authorized by the State of Michigan, and both will maintain local control and focus on issues particular to their county, sharing best practices and strategies. More information can be found at ottawaintegrity.org and livingstonintegrity.org.