By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Jordan Musgrave is the first to admit he doesn’t know much about how local government operates. But he does know how to listen to people, and he believes people with problems deserve to be heard.
The intricacies of local government he can learn.
Musgrave, 33, was selected Tuesday evening by the Wood County Democratic Party’s Central Committee to fill the First Ward Bowling Green City Council seat vacated earlier this month when Damon Sherry resigned to take a job with the Wood County Board of Elections.
Musgrave has worked for Meijer in Bowling Green for 11 years, recently being promoted to assistant to the grocery manager. He is the co-founder and president of BGOPride, a nonprofit organization increasing visibility for the LGBT+ community in Bowling Green.
“While I may not have much experience with the inner workings of city council, I do have experience when it comes to people, listening and learning,” he said.
Musgrave is now the second openly gay person to serve on Bowling Green City Council, with Sherry being the first when he was elected in November 2023.
Zach Schmidt, chairperson of the Wood County Democratic Party, said after the vote Tuesday evening that Musgrave will provide some valuable viewpoints on council. Not only will he advocate for the LGBT+ community, but as a union member, he will represent the more blue collar side of labor.
“I think that voice has been neglected,” Schmidt said. “I think Jordan has a lot to add to the team we have on City Council.”
Four candidates put themselves forward as candidates to fill the First Ward seat. In addition to Musgrave, they were Julie Broadwell, Rose Drain and Myron Ruffin. Ruffin did not submit a resume and did not show up for Tuesday’s meeting.
Broadwell and Drain, both who have long histories of community service in Bowling Green, discussed their desires to serve in a new way on City Council. Both gave lengthy lists of their efforts to make Bowling Green a better place.
Musgrave said he was impressed with both candidates’ qualifications. When it came to a vote, Musgrave received two votes and Drain received one.
When it was his turn to speak, Musgrave talked of his commitment to sustainability, diversity and inclusion – as well as affordable housing and ensuring basic health and safety standards for renters. Like many residents of the First Ward, he previously rented his residence. After experiencing problems with a landlord, he saved up money and bought a home.
Social issues are a priority for him, Musgrave said, with an emphasis on making sure people with different perspectives are heard.
“I’m a personable guy. I want people to feel they can come talk to me about their issues,” he said.
Musgrave said he will also focus on meeting his First Ward constituents, possibly holding a couple “meet and greet” events to “make sure they are heard.”
Not long after being selected for the council seat Musgrave was on the phone with his mom in his hometown of Bloomdale, giving her the news and asking her to attend his swearing in.
“I didn’t want to let her know too much – in case it didn’t happen,” he said.
“I’m terrified, but I’m excited,” Musgrave confided.
“Electing the right person to do the right job is important,” he said. “I pride myself on trying to do the right thing.”
