By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
As the Bowling Green Democratic Central Committee met Thursday to fill the vacant seat on City Council left empty by the death of Neocles Leontis, they were introduced to a familiar face who shares many of Leontis’ values.
Jeff Dennis was the sole applicant for the at-large council seat.
Thursday was the evening set aside for applicants to present themselves, followed by the committee’s vote on the position next Tuesday at 7 p.m.
“Neocles’ passing has left a void that will be impossible to fill,” Dennis said in his application. “He was a pillar of our community who was never afraid to challenge the status quo as he worked tirelessly to bring people together and achieve meaningful change.”
Dennis, who ran for the Fourth Ward City Council seat in 2019 at the same time Leontis was running for the at-large seat, acknowledged that Leontis was helpful to him.
“For me – like so many others – Neocles was a continual source of knowledge and insight and never hesitated to engage in friendly debate or help me better understand a complex issue facing our community,” Dennis said.
“He was a huge help to me understanding the issues,” Dennis said Thursday evening. “He was full of ideas and knowledge that he was willing to share.”
As Leontis’ wife, Vassiliki, watched on the Zoom meeting, Dennis talked about the shared values “that Neocles very clearly and unapologetically espoused.”
Though Dennis doesn’t have the same experience, he does have a passion for the job, he said.
“I believe there are few who can rival my passion, understanding of, and commitment to the challenges and opportunities facing our community,” he said in his application.
Council member Sandy Rowland spoke in support of Dennis.
“I’m very pleased that Jeff has put himself out there as a person to fill very big shoes,” she said.
Rowland mentioned their shared priorities of the environment, neighborhood revitalization, the East Side of the city, and landlord-tenant issues.
“He worked closely with Neocles and knew him well,” Rowland said.
Vassiliki Leontis thanked Dennis for his willingness to serve.
“I think you’re going to be a great council person,” she said, noting the effort to maintain her husband’s legacy.
The meeting was difficult at times for Vassiliki, who had to wipe away tears as people talked about her husband of 24 years. Fond memories of Leontis were shared by council members, including Bruce Jeffers, who was unseated by Leontis in 2019.
“There are so many people who have reached out to me,” she said. “A lot of people knew Neocles. Thank you very much, you Democrats.”
Vassiliki Leontis said this past year was probably the happiest for her and Neocles – with her husband being able to serve a role in local politics.
“This was the happiest year in our common life,” she said. “You all made his life better.”
“I’ve lived in many cities in the world, but there’s just one that is home – that Neocles called home – and that is Bowling Green,” she said.
Vassiliki Leontis also offered one bit of advice to former Bowling Green council member Bruce Jeffers.
“You must run again some time,” she said.
In other business, it was announced that Carol DeJong was going to be retiring on Feb. 27 as the Democratic director at the Wood County Board of Elections. She has served in the position for five years.
Julie Baumgartner, former county recorder, will be taking DeJong’s position.
“Carol got us through” several elections – including this past year’s stressful elections, said Mike Zickar, chair of the Wood County Democratic Party.
“I have loved this job,” DeJong said, adding that Baumgartner will be a good replacement.
“It’s going to be a really great fit,” DeJong said.
Also at Thursday’s meeting, members re-elected Andy Newlove to serve as a board member at the Wood County Board of Elections.
