Mayors of Holland - Biographies

Albert McGeehan was born in Staten Island, NY on October 9, 1944 and grew up in New Jersey. Early on he felt drawn to politics. In the summer of 1960 he watched the Republican and Democratic conventions, and even pulled an all-nighter to watch the election results of Richard Nixon vs. John F. Kennedy.

McGeehan graduated from Hope College with a B.A. in history in 1966. In 1964 he married Marsha Elaine Hix, and he also fell in love with the area as the couple decided to stay for good. They had three children, Laura Lynn, John Albert, and Michael Patrick. The McGeehans are members of First Reformed Church.

McGeehan taught history at Holland High School for 34 years, retiring in 1995. Some of his most loyal political supporters were his students. They often thought his class stood out as intriguing yet demanding. McGeehan was a lively speaker and storyteller. Dedicated to developing the minds of youth, he became attached to youth causes throughout his political career. He emphasized the need to combat youth violence. He also created the "Mayor's Youth Recognition Award" to recognized outstanding young people in the community. Connected to his career as a history teacher, McGeehan is also a U.S. Civil War historian and has compiled a book about civil war letters, and has been honored as a "friend of history" by the Holland Historical Trust, of which he is a member.
As a politician McGeehan has served Holland for 22 years, 4 terms as councilman and 4 as mayor. In 1975 McGeehan lost his first attempt to join the city council, but countered that with a victorious campaign in 1977. He continued to serve as a councilman until he was elected mayor in 1993, although that wasn't his first attempt at the highest office in the city either. He had also lost his first campaign for mayor, which was against Bill Sikkel in 1983.

Mayor McGeehan faced no challengers in his 1993, and 1995 elections. However he has faced personal threats and openly hostile criticism. Nevertheless it's difficult to criticize the accomplishments of McGeehan in his 10 years as mayor. He encouraged availability and connections with people and businesses, he tried to empower young people and worked with kids, often giving uplifting speeches. McGeehan amplified his renown when he became the co-host of a morning radio talk show.

By mid-decade Holland landed a barrage of awards including the 1996 All-American City Award and the 1998 Great American Mainstreet Award. Important events included the 1997 Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary of the founding of the Holland colony), the reopening of the city hall in 1998, and the construction of a new library and aquatic center. In the years before the turn of the millenium the proposed Holland Area Center and Windmill Island projects received much attention. Extensive time and energy was put into the eventually failing Holland Area Center, which went to a public vote.

A distinctive characteristic of his administration has been a low unemployment rate. However, Mayor McGeehan is well aware and saddened by continuing problems in Holland, including civil unrest, lack of public access to water, and a water level problem. Despite these problems McGeehan is as a patriotic as ever and is optimistic of the direction in which Holland is going. The city council is approaching a cross-section of the community rather than consisting of traditional Dutch Reformed businessmen. Mayor McGeehan embraces diversity, recognizing the positive aspects of all people.

In 1999 Mayor McGeehan surprised many (who thought he would be mayor for life) when he claimed that he was going to serve his last term ending in 2001. However, McGeehan reconsidered and will share the record for longest-serving mayor in Holland's history. Convinced by a speech by President Bush to be citizens and not spectators, McGeehan decided he had unfinished business in the community. Current issues include updating Kollen Park, the Holland Civic Center Expansion, and the Western Gateway Project.

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