By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green voters will face a school tax, two liquor issues and a truckload of city council candidates when they cast ballots in the primary election next week on May 2.
Bowling Green City School District will have a 0.5 percent income tax renewal for current expenses for five years.
The income tax for the district began in January of 1993 and has been renewed every five years since. It makes up 11 percent of the district’s general fund revenue, generating $3.34 million annually.
Superintendent Francis Scruci has stressed that the income tax issue is a renewal – not a new tax.
Also on the ballot are several city council candidates. A total of 16 candidates have filed for the open seats. None of the ward seats will be contested in the primary election. However, filing for the two open at-large seats were four Democrats, four Green Party members, and one Republican.
The deadline for filing for Independent candidates is May 1, too late to appear on a primary ballot. Nathan Eberly has indicated interest in running as an Independent.
The primary election will narrow down the at-large race to a maximum of two candidates from each party. Since only one Republican filed, voters will be given the choice of ballots for the Democratic Party, the Green Party or for issues only.
Terry Burton, director of the Wood County Board of Elections, said this is the first time the Green Party has had enough candidates to warrant a primary ballot in Bowling Green.
Burton said the lack of a Republican ballot in the primary election may cause some confusion. But since the at-large Republican spot on the general election ballot is not contested, there is no need. Those voters can request ballots that have issues only.
“That may cause some angst for people,” Burton said. And it may cause some voters to switch parties in the primary just so they can cast votes for some of the other candidates, he said.
Filing for the two available at-large city council seats are the following candidates:
- Democrats: Holly Cipriani, Mark Hollenbaugh, Robert Piasecki and Sandy Rowland.
- Green Party: Helen Kay Dukes, BeverlyAnn Elwazani, Carolyn S. Kawecka and Rosamond L. McCallister.
- Republican: Gregory W. Robinette.
One council member will also be elected in November from each of the city’s four wards. Following are the Democratic and Republican candidates who have filed for those seats. No Green candidates filed for the ward seats.
- First Ward: Democrat Daniel J. Gordon, Republican Ryan A. Rothenbuhler.
- Second Ward: Democrat John Zanfardino, Republican Kent Ramsey.
- Third Ward: Democrat Michael Aspacher, running unopposed.
- Fourth Ward: Democrat Scott W. Seeliger, Republican William J. Herald.
Also on the ballot will be two liquor issues for Sunday sales between 10 a.m. and midnight at Bar 149 and at the Clazel.
