By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Sandy Rowland pulled up to her last meeting as a Bowling Green City Council member Monday evening with a set of fake reindeer antlers on her vehicle.
“I feel silly driving with them, but my grandson likes them,” she said.
After 10 years on City Council, Rowland has remained upbeat about her community despite her loss in the November election to Bill Herald. That optimism has garnered her support from those in the community who appreciated her reaching out to those less fortunate during her terms in office.
One of those people was citizen Lindsay Durham, who went to the podium Monday evening to thank Rowland for her service to Bowling Green.
“I am glad City Council provided a forum for us to meet, as her passion for helping others quickly inspired me,” Durham said.
“Time after time, councilwoman Rowland reached out to marginalized members of the community in order to amplify their voices,” Durham said. “Time after time, I’d run into her volunteering at communal events. And time after time, councilwoman Rowland represented Bowling Green with dignity and grace.”
Durham and Chris Douglas presented Rowland with a floral arrangement.
“Though her time on City Council may be coming to an end, I’m certain her community involvement will continue to thrive,” Durham said.
“I feel lucky to have someone like you to look up to,” she said.
Council President Mark Hollenbaugh also thanked Rowland for her decade of service on City Council. Her service to citizens – and to him, was appreciated.
“Over the years, you’ve been a compass to help steer me out of trouble,” Hollenbaugh said. “You have provided me with wisdom when I probably would have put my foot in my mouth.”
“Just know your time here was very much appreciated,” Hollenbaugh said.
Rowland responded in her normal fashion.
“I love my city,” she said. Her farewell message echoed the theme set by the city administration for 2022.
“Keep moving, steady forward, Bowling Green,” Rowland said.
