By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
State Rep. Tim Brown’s decision to resign from the Statehouse has set the dominoes in motion. His departure has given the Wood County Democratic Party a glimmer of hope that it has a chance to take the state seat.
The first local Democrat to officially state his interest in the legislative seat after Brown’s announcement is Bowling Green Councilman Daniel Gordon.
But first, the Democrat currently on the ballot, David Walters, of Bowling Green, has to resign his place on the Democratic ballot for the Ohio State House of Representatives. And Sunday evening, Walters announced his plans to bail.
“Tim Brown has been a dedicated public servant to the residents of Wood County for many years and has done a commendable job of representing the best interests of our county,” Walters stated in a press release. “However, like Representative Brown, I feel that my calling now lies away from elected office and so it has become imperative that we put forward a candidate who can continue his legacy of placing the interests of Wood County residents above partisan politics.”
And that will make room for Gordon, whom Walters endorsed.
“While I remain passionate about the issues affecting Wood County, I feel that there is a person better suited to represent our community than myself. That individual is Bowling Green City Councilman Daniel Gordon,” Walters said.
But Gordon may be just one of several Democrats eyeing the seat. According to Mike Zickar, head of the Wood County Democratic Party, the process for finding a replacement candidate will be made in the next few days.
The new candidates from both parties for the state representative seat must be filed with the Wood County Board of Elections by Aug. 15. Any Democrat interested is encouraged to send a resume to mikezickar@yahoo.com.
Gordon, in his third term as First Ward councilman, said he has been focused on making improvements in Bowling Green, such as the creation of Ridge Park, Complete Streets program, and neighborhood revitalization.
However, when Brown announced his resignation, the Democratic party’s search began.
“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing about this opportunity,” Gordon said.
“My goal has always been about making life better for people,” he said. That focus can be transferred to the state level, where Gordon believes he can make an even bigger impact.
“I would be honored if they chose me,” he said.
Gordon is not up for re-election this year for city council, so he won’t be risking that position if he runs for the Statehouse.
Brown’s departure has also opened wide a possibility for another Republican to move into the state representative seat.
“I have not heard from anyone,” Brown said about potential candidates last Thursday. “I’m sure there will be a lot of people thinking about it. This area is rich with talent.”
