By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green has re-elected its homegrown mayor to another term, returned a City Council member who has been an outspoken advocate for rental housing regulations, and elected its first openly queer council member.
Democratic Mayor Mike Aspacher won a second term over Green Party candidate Joe DeMare by a vote of 5,948 (74%) to 2,104 (26%).
Democratic incumbent At-Large council member Jeff Dennis beat Republican opponent Eric Peck with a vote of 4,953 (60%) to 3,239 (40%).
And Democratic First Ward candidate Damon Sherry defeated Republican contender David Drain by a vote of 369 (66%) to 186 (34%).
Aspacher sees his re-election as confirmation that voters are enthusiastic about the direction of the community.
“I think people share my optimism about the future of our community,” he said. “There are many reasons for us to be optimistic about the future of Bowling Green.”
Aspacher has a history of service to the community, serving eight years on the board of education, 10 years on council, and now four as mayor.
The mayor lists the city’s accomplishments during his first term as the zoning code update, economic development growth, sizable investments in infrastructure, and the new city administration building. He also cited the addition of more housing to the city – a goal he plans to continue pursuing.
Looking at his second mayoral term, Aspacher shared his priorities of public safety, municipal utilities, rental housing, and community assets. Issues under consideration include:
- Study of the best location for a fire station to replace the current east side station on Court Street. A new location will be determined based on response time and future growth predictions. There is a possibility the city will consider a third fire station, Aspacher said.
- Serious space constraints at the downtown police station.
- Municipal utilities’ focus on safe drinking water, responsible handling of wastewater, and investments in renewable energy.
- The condition of housing in the community is vital. “The city has a role ensuring that housing in the city adheres to standards of health and safety.” That includes rentals and owner-occupied homes, he said.
- Continued care of the city’s “significant community assets,” like its parks and downtown.
“I’m energized to continue the good work of helping the community grow,” Aspacher said.
Dennis, an attorney and a lifelong resident of Bowling Green, sees four major challenges in Bowling Green as he looks toward his second term.
First is in the area of housing, including mandated rental registration, and increased code enforcement to eliminate neighborhood nuisance issues.
“I’m for ensuring everyone has access to safe, affordable housing in a neighborhood they can be proud of,” he said.
Next is safer pedestrian and bike infrastructure, including more crosswalks, dedicated bike lanes and safe routes to school.
He supports investments in clean energy and reducing waste. He favors the city developing a roadmap for net-zero emissions from city services, and would like to see city recycling pickups in the downtown and at large apartment complexes.
And Dennis sees progress in the city’s economic development, with focus on a vibrant downtown, new housing, and an investment in a new high school.
Dennis is proud of the bold actions he has taken on concrete, substantive issues.
“That includes housing and neighborhood revitalization, pedestrian and bike infrastructure, protecting our environment, and building a community where everyone is welcome. We’re seeing a lot of positive momentum, and I look forward to further progress in the years ahead,” he said.
Sherry, 21, sees his victory as a breakthrough for Bowling Green. When sworn in, he will be the first openly queer, non-binary elected official in the city.
“Bowling Green has made history tonight,” he said.
Sherry said his “campaign of care” for City Council reached out to those in the community who feel ignored.
“I’m listening. At the end of the day, I’m here for everyone,” he said.
A political science major at Bowling Green State University, Sherry grew up in the village of Melrose, population 238, in Paulding County. When he graduates next spring, he intends to continue living in Bowling Green.
“I just really fell in love with this city. I’m committed to staying here.”
As a renter himself, Sherry said he sees first hand the concerns about safe rental housing.
“I understand the needs of renters,” he said.
As a council member, Sherry said he would like to see the city expand its sustainability efforts.
“We need to find other alternatives, with the wind turbines sunsetting,” he said. He also suggested the city replace all its streetlights with LED lights, expand solar power, and support the planting of a community garden.
