By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green City Council member Theresa Charters Gavarone announced Wednesday evening that she is seeking the state representative seat vacated by the resignation of State Rep. Tim Brown.
Charters Gavarone, a Republican, is an attorney, business owner, and is serving her second term as council member representing the city’s Fourth Ward. She earned a business degree from Bowling Green State University and a law degree from the University of Toledo.
“I really enjoy the work on council,” she said Wednesday evening. “I think I have something to offer at the state level.”
Charters Gavarone said she is interested in mental health issues, drug addiction, education and economic development.
As an attorney for 22 years, Charters Gavarone said she has first hand experience with the justice system.
“The impact of mental illness and drug addiction on both adults and children is devastating on both a personal and community basis. Although a lot is happening to improve services, there is more work to do to make services available to those in need.”
“I think we have a long way to go,” she said Wednesday evening.
As co-owner with her husband of the Mr. Spots restaurant in downtown Bowling Green, Charters Gavarone said she understands the role small businesses play in the local economy.
“I think it’s important to keep Wood County working,” she said. “It’s important to support small businesses.”
Charters Gavarone also pointed to her experience as a parent.
“As a mother of three, I understand the challenges faced by families, children, and schools,” she said in making the announcement. “I’ve worked with students in the classroom and library and have supported teachers and coaches as a fundraiser and volunteer. Wood County needs a representative who understands the issues from all sides and someone who is willing to listen and represent their interests in Columbus.”
As a city council member, Charters Gavarone said she has employed a bipartisan approach to issues.
“In my years as an elected official, I have proven that I can work with people to solve community problems regardless of party affiliation. Wood County needs a representative in Columbus that will work hard and reach across party lines to make decisions that will best serve the needs of our community. I have that track record.”
If elected to the state representative seat, Charters Gavarone will have to relinquish her seat on city council.
At least one other Wood County Republican, Northwood Mayor Ed Schimmel is also interested in the Statehouse seat. The House leadership is expected to select a replacement soon to fill Brown’s position. It will be the responsibility of the Wood County Republican Party to choose the candidate to appear on the November ballot.
The Wood County Democrats have selected Kelly Wicks as their candidate to appear on the ballot for the Statehouse seat.
