By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green City Council went with the tried and true option Monday evening – voting unanimously to name Mark Hollenbaugh to the First Ward seat vacated by Daniel Gordon.
Hollenbaugh beat out four other candidates who promised qualities such as youth, diversity, fresh ideas from other communities, and a scientific commitment to renewable energy.
But what Hollenbaugh brought to the table was consistency, dedication even in the face of failure, and his ability to work with anyone regardless of party.
Some council members are “rock stars,” one member said, but Hollenbaugh has proven to be rock solid serving his constituents.
He was sworn in at the beginning of the council meeting Monday, and took his seat with the other council members.
Hollenbaugh, a Democrat, served as the First Ward member of City Council from January 2010 to December 2011.
“When Mark was on City Council before, he was faithful and effective performing his duties,” said council member Bill Herald. When Hollenbaugh lost the election to return to the First Ward seat, he didn’t let that discourage him.
“Some disappear. Others redouble their efforts and seek other ways to serve,” Herald, a Republican, said.
Hollenbaugh volunteered to serve on city planning commission and on the East Side Residents Association. A government and history teacher at North Baltimore Schools, Hollenbaugh has also served on several city boards, such as the City Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Committee, Charter Review Committee, and is involved in the Community Action Plan.
“He has been consistently serving in ways he can contribute,” Herald said.
“I stay involved because I care about my community,” Hollenbaugh said.
Each of the candidates to fill the First Ward seat was given five minutes to present themselves to City Council. One of the applicants, Hunter Sluss, dropped out from the race earlier on Monday.
The others under consideration were:
- Connor Goodpaster who has earned two degrees from BGSU, is expecting a baby with his wife in March, and who has served with community organizations like United Way and the Wood County Continuum of Care trying to solve problems within the community. Goodpaster said he has a good understanding of the issues of poverty that affect local residents.
- Neocles Leontis has been a professor of chemistry at BGSU since 1987. In addition to teaching graduate and undergraduate classes, he carries out scientific research funded by the National Institutes of Health. He is involved in several community organizations including Bowling Green Kiwanis, East Side Residential Group, League of Women Voters, Black Swamp Green Team, and Peace Lutheran Church. Leontis has been an advocate for making Bowling Green more energy efficient and sustainable.
- Sebastian Ochoa-Kaup works as a non-medical case manager for Equitas Health, making sure people living with HIV/AIDS can access the services they need. He has volunteered with Bowling Green community organizations like the Cocoon, La Conexion, Not In Our Town, It’s On Us, and serving on the city’s Human Relations Commission. Ochoa-Kaup said he would amplify the voices of Latino, transgender and queer residents of the community.
- Madison Stump is a BGSU student working toward a degree in environmental policy and analysis. Stump is director of governmental relations for BGSU Undergraduate Student Government, where she has served as liaison between the city, USG and BGSU administrators. Stump said he would bring a new innovative energy to City Council.
While Hollenbaugh couldn’t promise new innovative service on City Council, he vowed to continue offering integrity and honesty..
“I mean what I say. I’m open to ideas,” and willing to viewing all sides of an issue, he said.
City Council members lamented that they had just one seat to fill.
“What a fortunate city we are to have such outstanding candidates,” Sandy Rowland said. “It’s a tough one. Each and every one of you would be excellent.”
Council President Mike Aspacher thanked the citizens for offering to serve. “Thank you all for volunteering yourselves as public servants.”
Herald commented on one quality held by all the candidates.
“If you look for a common denominator, it’s service,” he said. “It’s commendable and heartwarming that there are people out there who get it. This is a place of public service.”
John Zanfardino agreed. “I truly do feel any of you folks would be great on council,” he said.
Zanfardino said the decision was difficult.
“To have somebody young on council would be great,” he said. “I truly was impressed with everyone.”
But Hollenbaugh stood out. “I’ve been impressed with Mark’s dedication. He’s engaged and courageous.”
Herald concurred that all the candidates were worthy, but added, “In Mark’s case, it’s in overdrive.”
Bruce Jeffers agreed. The decision was difficult – choosing between a veteran of public service or those who may present new ideas. “I just see Mark as the best choice,” Jeffers said.
Rowland said her decision was based on input from First Ward residents.
“I heard from residents of the First Ward that they wanted this person to serve them,” she said of Hollenbaugh.
All of the council candidates were urged to continue their commitment to Bowling Green.
“Each and every one of you would bring great attributes,” Rowland said. “For those of you who don’t make it, don’t give up.”
Zanfardino echoed that encouragement. “The city needs everyone’s engagement,” he said.
“Your enthusiasm, frankly, could be infectious,” Aspacher said.
The seat filled by Hollenbaugh will be on the ballot next fall.
After the council meeting, Hollenbaugh talked about some of his goals for City Council. Top on the list was progress on the city’s effort to create a self-registration program for residential rental properties. The program was one of the priorities identified in the Community Action Plan.
“I would like to see the city move forward with that,” Hollenbaugh said. “I would like to see a fire lit under that.”
Other goals for the new First Ward council member include addressing multiple housing issues and continuing to work on the East Wooster corridor, specifically at Thurstin Avenue.
Hollenbaugh said he has more goals, “but I didn’t come into this assuming I would get it.”
