By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
(Four open seats have competitive races in Wood County’s primary election. BG Independent News will post stories on the candidates facing opposition in the March 19 election.)
The race for county commissioner seems to be focused on the difference between Ted Bowlus, who sees himself as older and experienced, and Cory Kuhlman, who sees the advantage of having someone younger with fresh ideas in the office.
Both men grew up near Pemberville, and have strong connections with the Eastwood school district. Both are Republicans who have served elected positions, Bowlus as county commissioner, school board member and health board president, and Kuhlman as Perrysburg City Council member.
But a major difference between the two can be measured in years – with one being more than twice as old as the other.
Bowlus, the incumbent at age 74, has served two terms as commissioner.
“Wood County has never been stronger. I really want to maintain that strength,” he said. “Being a county commissioner is about service to the people. It takes a true leader to do this.”
Kuhlman, age 36, is currently a member of Perrysburg City Council and a managing member of the Stearns and Hammer law firm in Bowling Green.
“I very much enjoy Perrysburg City Council. What I like about local government is that you can actually see the changes you are voting for,” Kuhlman said.
But Kuhlman said he is ready to broaden the scope of his service to all of Wood County. And as part of a younger generation than all the current county commissioners, Kuhlman believes he has something to offer.
“I think I can provide good insight,” he said, comparing it to succession planning. By stepping up to the plate now, Kuhlman said he can tap into the mentorship of the multi-term commissioners. “It’s the time to get involved.”
But Bowlus isn’t ready to step aside, and would like to see a few more goals come to fruition. He touted some of the accomplishments achieved during his terms as commissioner, such as economic development that is “second to none in Ohio,” low unemployment, the jail renovation and expansion, decreased drug addiction rates, and a AA1 bond rating with balanced budgets.
“We’re very proud of that,” he said of the commissioners’ conservative approach to budgeting.
But Kuhlman would like some keener eyes on the budget, and noted the “sticker shock” that many county residents experienced with their latest property tax bills.
“I want to make sure your tax dollars are being spent as effectively as possible,” he said.
Kuhlman said he will search for ways to make county government more efficient. “Saying that we’ve always done it this way is not a good answer,” he said.
“I will look at the books with an open mind,” he said. “I am a true fiscal conservative. Every dollar should be spent responsibly.”
Bowlus doesn’t believe age is an issue in the race, referring to Ronald Reagan’s statement that he wouldn’t exploit the youth and inexperience of his younger opponent Walter Mondale.
“Experience matters,” Bowlus said. “We have a lot of complex issues. It’s important for commissioners to know the people of the county and understand their concerns.”
Bowlus said he and the other commissioners, Craig LaHote and Doris Herringshaw respect each other.
“I think that the work that we do as commissioners demands teamwork. We have accomplished quite a bit. I’d like to see that continued.”
If re-elected, Bowlus has set some priorities of training people to fill open jobs, working with other agencies to create affordable housing, and dealing with property rights issues with wind and solar energy. Bowlus said he would like to see townships have more authority over wind and solar field locations.
“We believe they are closer to the issue – it affects them directly,” Bowlus said.
Kuhlman sees the biggest issue facing county government as being the balance between rural farmland and economic development.
“We want people to raise their families here,” and not be pushed out as fertile farmland is lost, he said.
While campaigning for the primary election, Kuhlman said he has reached out to farmers, developers and businesses.
“I believe in the big picture approach. The loss of farmland needs to be in the equation,” he said.
Kuhlman also supports the county’s investment in roadways and bridges. But he said some areas of the county feel neglected, and the commissioners need to reinvest in those communities as well.
Kuhlman also stressed that he will respond to phone calls and emails, adding, “You’ll always get an honest answer from me.”
The winner of the Republican primary for the county commissioner seat will face Democrat Philip Chrysler in the November election.
