By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Normally Bowling Green City Council President Mike Aspacher tries to avoid making waves on issues that city government has no control over.
But on Monday evening, Aspacher had reached his limit.
“As you all are well aware, I have been reluctant in the past to bring to our chambers national social issues with which we have little or no legislative authority to influence outcomes,” Aspacher said. “These issues, when discussed at the local level often serve only to create division in our community.”
But Aspacher, who was standing in for Mayor Dick Edwards who was out of town Monday evening, said he felt compelled to speak.
“The horrific events that occurred over the weekend in El Paso and Dayton, and which are also occurring in other communities across the nation with increasing and alarming regularity, however, compel me to make a brief comment about these nonsensical acts of violence,” he said.
“Like you, my heart is heavy with sadness when considering the senseless loss of life in our towns and cities due to gun violence,” Aspacher continued. “The frequency with which these types of abhorrent attacks are occurring have come to represent a real threat to the health and safety of our citizens.”
Aspacher went on to ask for national and state leaders to not sit by and do nothing.
“This is not a partisan issue and I do not think it is helpful or productive to spend our time pointing fingers or assigning blame,” he said. “I believe the time has arrived where we can reasonably expect our elected representatives in Washington, D.C., and Columbus to work together to identify and implement bi-partisan, common sense and impactful solutions to this public health emergency.”
“I urge our locally elected representatives in Congress and the state legislature to contribute in a meaningful way to discussions aimed at safeguarding our citizens and creating safer communities across our state and country,” Aspacher concluded.
Fellow council member Mark Hollenbaugh met the remarks with “I second that.”
Council vice president Bruce Jeffers thanked Aspacher for his comments. “I really appreciate that. It needs to be said.”
And council member Sandy Rowland praised Aspacher for his brave statement.
Aspacher said his comments weren’t brave, but were made “in the hope we can make some changes in our country.”
In other business at Monday’s meeting, Downtown BG Executive Director Tony Vetter thanked city officials for implementing free parking downtown, and for changing the signage on Main Street at Poe and at Napoleon, so it’s clear to visitors that the downtown is open.
“It’s certainly gratifying to see some asphalt going down” in the downtown area, Jeffers said.
“That certainly is progress,” Aspacher said, adding his thanks to residents and businesses for their patience during the prolonged construction.
Also at the meeting:
- Aspacher thanked Not In Our Town for hosting the first multi-faith picnic in City Park on Sunday. “It’s those kind of events that say a lot about Bowling Green,” he said.
- Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter said a meeting will be held Aug. 13, at 6 p.m., to present an update on city financial and strategic planning.
- Planning Director Heather Sayler reported that so far this year, the city has received requests for 263 zoning permits, including 20 for single family homes.
- Sayler also reported the city has sent out many notices for unmowed lawns, and has had to mow 23 properties so far.
- Council member Greg Robinette reported on the last meeting of the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee. He suggested that city officials prepare for the discussion of moving city services located near the intersection of East Wooster Street and Thurstin Avenue.
