By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
As Democrat Mike Aspacher announced his desire to become Bowling Green’s next mayor Tuesday evening, he was joined by some unlikely supporters – Republicans.
But in an era where party divisions have become cavernous, this is the hallmark of Bowling Green City Council – and of Aspacher, its president.
“I believe that our city government functions well, and that it does so because we don’t let politics divide us,” he said. “Here, we set our differences aside and focus instead on what can bring us together.”
And Aspacher – a true “townie” – would like to be at the helm as that work continues.
“I owe a lot to the Bowling Green community. This is where I grew up, where I went to school, where I got married, and where I raised my family,” he said in front of a packed room in the nature center at Wintergarden Park.
Aspacher, a retired project manager for Dunbar Mechanical, began his public service in the 1990s when he was approached by the bipartisan power team of Dick Newlove and Mike Marsh to run for a seat on the board of education.
“They gave me a subtle push toward public service,” Aspacher said. “I had no clue what I was getting into.”
He served on the school board for eight years. Then was approached again to run for City Council, where he has now served for nine years.
Mike Aspacher announces his desire to become mayor.
With the fire crackling in the background in the lodge, Aspacher told his supporters why he’s not done yet.
“I believe cities should be measured primarily by the quality of life that they provide for the people who live there. By this measure, Bowling Green is a great city and we owe our gratitude to those who have laid the foundation for our community,” he said.
“I’ve never been more optimistic about Bowling Green’s future than I am today. I know where this city has been, and I have a vision of what it can become,” he said. “I’m convinced that we can work together to develop creative ideas that will help our community grow and improve.”
Aspacher listed the qualities he believes are needed for a strong community:
– Responsive and transparent local government
– Sound financial management
– Well-trained public safety force
– Effective and efficient public works department
– Efficient and forward looking public utility entity
– Deep commitment to public education
– Well developed and maintained park system
– Thriving business community
Aspacher vowed to work closely with the city schools, to bolster the local workforce, and to maintain a productive partnership with BGSU.
“It’s never been more important that our city government work as part of a close partnership with our local schools,” he said.
Aspacher talked about the challenging financial situation facing the city, with cuts to local government funding continuing to hurt the city budget. He promised to work with local representatives to try to restore funding, and to work on local economic development efforts.
“I look forward to the opportunity to share with prospective businesses the many benefits that Bowling Green has to offer and to highlight the quality and skill of our local workforce, and also to encourage the creation of new jobs that pay a fair living wage and provide benefits to families,” he said.
Aspacher also talked about his commitment to the city’s efforts to embrace diversity, the Community Action Plan, the updated Future Land Use Plan, Downtown Bowling Green, the East Wooster Street corridor, and zoning modifications that can help improve housing conditions.
Wintergarden Park nature center filled for announcement
Aspacher praised Mayor Dick Edwards for his leadership – and Edwards returned the compliment.
“I have no question about his capacity for leadership,” Edwards said of Aspacher. “He knows how to keep things moving forward.”
Edwards, who is in his second term as mayor, has no plans to run again next year.
Council Vice President Bruce Jeffers introduced Aspacher, referring to him as a friend and leader on council.
“I appreciate him deeply in both realms,” Jeffers said.
He spoke of Aspacher’s skills of great judgment in understanding complex issues, strength in following through, and humility to seek the advice of others.
One of the people Aspacher consults is his wife, Toni. He referred to her as “a rock” who provides “almost complete support.”
Aspacher explained the “almost” qualifier.
“There was a time City Council was talking chickens. We were on opposite sides of that issue,” he said with a smile.
