Joseph DeMare is withdrawing from the race for at-large city council.
An active member of the Green Party, DeMare was running as an Independent.
He said he faced a conflict between continuing a radio program he hosts, and which is rebroadcast, and stay in the race. He decided to keep the program.
DeMare issued the following statement this afternoon (July 11): “It is with deep regret that I’m announcing that I have withdrawn from the Bowling Green City Council-At-Large race. I have a weekly radio program called ‘For A Green Future.’ That airs on Sunday Mornings, 8 a.m. on 106.5FM in Toledo and is rebroadcast as a podcast, youtube video, and on WGRN in Columbus.
“This week the station informed me that, because of the ‘Equal Time’ law, I could not both run for office and keep my radio show. I find this deeply frustrating. The Equal TIme law does not give the Greens access to any debate platforms. It allows news outlets, radio and tv stations, and newspapers to ignore Green Party candidacies, BUT it prevents me from both having my radio program and running for office.
“I had to choose between my program and my campaign. I have chosen the program, and am very sorry I won’t have the opportunity to serve the people of Bowling Green as a Council member.”
Neocles Leontis is running as a Democrat for the seat.
