Junior Jacob Redfern won’t be asking for candy when he’s out this Halloween weekend – he will be asking for votes.
The candidate for Bowling Green City Council will be knocking on doors within his jurisdiction, which is east of Main Street, north of Wooster Street and all campus residences, excluding Harshman and Kreischer.
Redfern, who was appointed to the 1st Ward position after Gordy Heminger stepped down this summer, said he is familiarizing himself with his constituents’ opinions and beliefs to help his decision-making process.
‘I decided to run for city council because I was encouraged to do so by several members of the community,’ he said. ‘If I wanted to see change in the way the city operates and the things that impact each and every one of us, I have to take initiative.’
Redfern demonstrated initiative during his first week in office, according to councilman John Zanfardino. He vocally expressed his opinion to pass the anti-discrimination ordinances, Zanfardino said.
‘That night, he was just very capable at the communications required for city council,’ Zanfardino said.
In addition to going door-to-door, Redfern rode with the Bowling Green Police Division, spoke at Undergraduate Student Government meetings and has been invited to talk in city-sponsored forum-style events.
Redfern said he is trying to balance the needs of the community and the students.
‘Voters have some of the best ideas ever,’ he said. ‘It’s important that we keep local elections at the heartbeat of democracy. This is where we truly get the pulse of America.’
Redfern’s platforms include approving a general fund tax increase to 2 percent, improving community and campus relationships and not cutting valuable city services such as school crossing guards and fireworks during Independence Day.
‘I think Jacob has done a good job in terms of convincing residents he is a serious councilman that is going to try to understand both perspectives,’ said Mike Zickar, party chairman of the Wood County Democrats and an adviser to Redfern.
Senior Jacob Smith, who has advised small campaigns in Ohio’s Erie County, said Redfern is more experienced than his opponent Mark Hollenbaugh. It doesn’t matter that Redfern is only 20, he said.
‘Jacob is the candidate with the experience,’ Smith said. ‘He has served the 1st Ward extremely well. Jacob proved he had sound judgment and a cool head.’
Zickar said age is really just a number and Redfern has proved himself in his two-plus months in office.
‘He is a great listener and a great learner,’ he said. ‘Those are going to more than compensate for the life experience a 20-year-old won’t have.’
Redfern has valued his time in office, but he hopes he has convinced voters he is the right person for the seat.
‘When I wake up Nov. 4 – win, lose, whatever – I will be satisfied with the job that I have done,’ he said.’
