There are three council seats being contested this election year, one Fourth Ward and two At-Large seats. Here’s some information about each candidate to help make your voting decision easier.

Sandy Rowland

Incumbent At-Large council member

Party: Democrat

Platform: “My platform is that of bringing vitality to the city of Bowling Green. I do not propose sweeping changes, but rather changes that best address our current needs. These include safety, comfort and a welcoming environment for all residents.”

Why should people vote for you?

“I have shown that I serve all residents well. I don’t serve special interests, but rather all residents of our city. I talk with people, do research on important issues and make decisions that will benefit the majority. I am experienced and qualified to be elected to the position of council at large.”

Sandy Milligan

Challenger

Party: Republican

Platform: “My efforts are directed toward enhancing the quality of life for all Bowling Green residents, whether they be students or longer-term residents.”

Why should people vote for you?

“I have a proven track record while on council of listening to all points of view and making sound decisions. From a student’s viewpoint, my family and I have more connections to BGSU than any other council member or candidate. My wife, son and myself all have at least one BGSU degree, and my wife and I were both employed at BGSU a number of years. Finally, my experience is needed on what is otherwise a relatively inexperienced city council.”

Bob McOmber

Incumbent At-Large council member

Party: Republican

Platform: “I want to bring a business voice to city council. In my years of running a business I have learned to be confident in my abilities and in my decision-making.”

Why should people vote for you?

“I was born and raised in BG and care deeply about our success. I have owned a business [Milligan Workshops, Inc.] in BG since 1987 and am invested in our future. I am very active in the local Chamber of Commerce and am the Treasurer this year. I volunteer for the local American Cancer Society, recently served Project Homeless Connect as the Transportation Chair and I donate my time in caring for the flowers downtown. Also I sit on the Bowling Green Zoning Board of Appeals. Running for city council was a natural progression for what I’ve always done to give back to my hometown. My leadership skills are strong and I have the ability to make the hard decisions.”

Joe DeMare

Challenger

Party: Green Party

Platform: “I want dedicated bike lanes in the city. That is, making some streets one-way so that they can be used half for cars and half for bikes. Also, we need to stop tearing down BG by destroying our old buildings like the armory and replacing them with chain stores like CVS. This will hurt the Main Street businesses. I also support backyard chickens, the charter amendment and making Bowling Green a net exporter of energy by switching to wind, solar and geothermal.

Why should people vote for you?

“With a Green, you know what you will get. [I won’t] go back and forth on every issue depending on what seems to most politically expedient at the time. For example, on most of the issues in this campaign: expanding the cemetery; endorsing the Charter amendment [Citizens’ bill of rights]; keeping the golf course lease; etc. Here in Bowling Green, we have a real chance to fix the broken two-party system. Electing a Green will send an incredibly strong message to both the ordinary parties that we want things to change. To return our government to this idea will be a real change. It’s a change that needs to start at the local level. Real change starts here.”

Rob Piasecki

Incumbent Fourth Ward council member

Party: Democrat

Platform: “I am for strong schools, great parks, and smart growth encouraging small local business.”

Why should people vote for you?

“The reason people should vote for me is because I have the experience of serving on Bowling Green City Council for the past 6 months and as a result have created an invaluable working relationship with the other members of council. I understand the challenges families are facing these days. My volunteering for everything from coaching for the parks and recreation and Upward to the Black Swamp Arts Festival gives me great insight to the people of Bowling Green. As an alumni of Leadership BG and having worked for a couple of businesses in BG I have a wonderful insider perspective of the business environment.”

Theresa Charters Gavarone

Challenger

Party: Republican

Platform: “I plan to focus on the long-term economic development of our town. Bowling Green needs more employers and to continue building a strong industrial base. We should be looking at issues from the perspective of existing and prospective businesses to make Bowling Green a city where businesses choose to invest and where businesses can thrive and grow. I want to maintain our outstanding park system and a fully staffed police and fire department, and to ensure our schools have the funding they need to provide the education and opportunities our children deserve while making the most effective use of each tax dollar.”

Why should people vote for you?

“I earned my business degree from Bowling Green State University. I have been an attorney for 19 years and work on Main Street in Bowling Green. I am also a downtown Bowling Green business owner, and I understand the concerns of businesses in the community. My education, experience and background will enable me to approach the difficult issues facing Council from a unique and commonsense perspective and will further enable me to take appropriate action.”