By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
For the first time ever, Bowling Green voters will have the choice of a Green Party ballot in the primary election on May 2.
A total of 16 candidates have filed with the Wood County Board of Elections for Bowling Green City Council seats. None of the ward seats will be contested in the primary election. However, filing for the two open at-large seats were four Democrats, four Green Party members, and one Republican.
The primary election will narrow down the at-large race to a maximum of two candidates from each party. Since only one Republican filed, voters will be given the choice of ballots for the Democratic Party, the Green Party or for issues only.
Terry Burton, director of the Wood County Board of Elections, said this is the first time the Green Party has had enough candidates to warrant a primary ballot.
Burton said the lack of a Republican ballot in the primary election may cause some confusion. But since the at-large Republican place on the general election ballot is not contested, there is no need. Those voters can request ballots that have issues only.
“That may cause some angst for people,” Burton said. And it may cause some voters to switch parties in the primary just so they can cast votes for some of the other candidates, he said.
Filing for the two available at-large city council seats are the following candidates:
- Democrats: Holly Cipriani, Mark Hollenbaugh, Robert Piasecki and Sandy Rowland.
- Green Party: Helen Kay Dukes, BeverlyAnn Elwazani, Carolyn S. Kawecka and Rosamond L. McCallister.
- Republican: Gregory W. Robinette.
One council member will also be elected from each of the city’s four wards. Following are the Democratic and Republican candidates who have filed for those seats. No Green candidates filed for the ward seats.
- First Ward: Democrat Daniel J. Gordon, Republican Ryan A. Rothenbuhler.
- Second Ward: Democrat John Zanfardino, Republican Kent Ramsey.
- Third Ward: Democrat Michael Aspacher, running unopposed.
- Fourth Ward: Democrat Scott W. Seeliger, Republican William J. Herald.
It is possible that Independent candidates can still file to be on the ballot, Burton said. Nathan Eberly has indicated interest in running for an at-large council seat.
Bowling Green voters will also cast ballots on three other issues in the primary. Bowling Green City School District will have a 0.5 percent income tax renewal for current expenses on the ballot.
Two liquor issues will appear for Sunday sales between 10 a.m. and midnight at Bar 149 and at the Clazel.
The deadline for voter registration for the May 2 primary is April 3.
