By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Theresa Charters Gavarone has been selected by a Statehouse screening panel to take the state representative seat vacated by the resignation of Tim Brown.
That means the statehouse will gain a member and Bowling Green City Council will lose a member.
Speaker of the Ohio House Clifford A. Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, announced this evening that the screening panel for the 3rd House District seat unanimously recommended Charters Gavarone for the appointment. She will fill out the remainder of Brown’s term through the end of this year.
Other Wood County Republicans who were screened for the seat were Haraz Ghanbari, of Perrysburg, and Ed Schimmel, of Northwood.
“I believe Theresa Charters Gavarone is an incredibly solid choice to represent the citizens of Wood County in the Ohio House of Representatives,” said Brown, who is leaving the Statehouse for the top job at the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments. “As a member of city council, she has already established herself as someone capable of working in a bipartisan manner for the benefit of Wood County’s citizens. Her experience as a small business owner, an attorney, and an elected official will enable her to represent the people of Wood County extremely well.”
The screening panel decision is the first step toward filling the seat. The Ohio House Republican Caucus will vote on the screening panel’s recommendation and swear in the new member on Aug. 2.
The Wood County Republican Party’s Central Committee is meeting this Thursday evening in Bowling Green to pick the name to appear on the November ballot in place of Brown’s.
Bob Mack, head of the Central Committee, expects that person to be Charters Gavarone.
“That would make the most sense,” he said Wednesday evening. In cases like this, the other candidates not selected often “show solidarity” and back out of the race, Mack said.
Brown agreed. “I would expect that the committee will replace my name with hers.”
And that means Charters Gavarone would have to give up her seat on city council once she is appointed on Aug. 2. According to City Solicitor Mike Marsh, Bowling Green City Council will have 30 days to appoint a replacement. If they fail to do so, the mayor will appoint a new member representing the Fourth Ward.
The replacement does not need to be a Republican, Marsh said. “I would guess it wouldn’t be,” he added, considering the current makeup of city council. With Charters Gavarone’s appointment to the Statehouse, council will be left with one Republican member, Bob McOmber.
After being selected by the screening panel Wednesday, Charters Gavarone said she is looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m very thankful,” she said, adding that she is ready to begin campaigning. “I’m feeling really excited. I really can’t wait.”
The appointment of Charters Gavarone will make her the second woman to serve Wood County as a state representative. The first was Myrna Hanna, an ancestor of the Hanna brothers who practice law in Bowling Green. She served as representative from 1929 to 1932.
Charters Gavarone said she is interested in mental health issues, drug addiction, education and economic development.
As an attorney for 22 years, Charters Gavarone said she has first hand experience with the justice system.
“The impact of mental illness and drug addiction on both adults and children is devastating on both a personal and community basis. Although a lot is happening to improve services, there is more work to do to make services available to those in need.”
As co-owner with her husband of the Mr. Spots restaurant in downtown Bowling Green, Charters Gavarone said she understands the role small businesses play in the local economy.
“I think it’s important to keep Wood County working,” she said. “It’s important to support small businesses.”
Charters Gavarone also pointed to her experience as a parent.
“As a mother of three, I understand the challenges faced by families, children, and schools,” she said in making the announcement. “I’ve worked with students in the classroom and library and have supported teachers and coaches as a fundraiser and volunteer. Wood County needs a representative who understands the issues from all sides and someone who is willing to listen and represent their interests in Columbus.”
As a city council member, Charters Gavarone said she has employed a bipartisan approach to issues. She is the chair of the Public Lands and Buildings Committee and also serves on the Finance and Ways and Means Committee as well as the Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee.
“In my years as an elected official, I have proven that I can work with people to solve community problems regardless of party affiliation. Wood County needs a representative in Columbus that will work hard and reach across party lines to make decisions that will best serve the needs of our community. I have that track record.”
Brown said her diverse experience makes Charters Gavarone a worthy candidate.
“I think her experience is very solid,” he said. “I think she represents someone with an incredibly diverse background.”
Her experience in the business world will help, “as we continue to climb out of this very challenging economy,” he added. “The voters are pretty angry about the status quo and want people who can work with citizens.”
Charters Gavarone will face Democrat Kelly Wicks on the November ballot for the statehouse. Wicks is a Bowling Green business owner with a history of community involvement.
