Wood County Common Pleas Judge Joel Kuhlman gives the oath of office to Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher. Aspacher starts his second term as mayor on Monday.
Mike Aspacher took the oath of office Friday in preparation for starting his second term as Bowling Green’s mayor.
“As I think about the opportunity that I have to serve this community — and that’s the way I view occupying this office, as an opportunity to serve — some people see that as a burden.
“I don’t. I see this as an opportunity that I am grateful for. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be in this role,” he said.
Wood County Common Pleas Judge Joel Kuhlman administered the oath of office Friday in city council chambers. Wife, Toni, stood by his side. They have been married for 41 years.
Aspacher, a Democrat, was the overwhelming favorite in November and won re-election with a 73.87% margin against challenger, Joe DeMare, an independent endorsed by the Green Party.
He has said priorities for his second term include public safety; safe, dependable and affordable utilities; economic and community development; and continued investment in infrastructure and neighborhood revitalization.
Aspacher has said he will also be looking at ways to help the community grow and continue to prosper, including through economic development efforts, with the focus on attracting and retaining businesses, working to draw industry to the city, and supporting businesses already here.
He has said that conversations will be had in the coming years about capital investments, including the condition of the east side fire station, and the capacity to support the work of the police division at the current police building. Also included in these considerations will be the city’s utility plants, roads and sidewalks, and buildings and facilities in the city’s parks.
He thanked the first responders, members of city council, and staff members in attendance.
“Everything I’m able to accomplish, I recognize better than anybody that you are the ones that actually are responsible for the things that we accomplish as a city,” Aspacher said.
Looking forward, he believes there is reason to be optimistic about the future of Bowling Green.
“I have no doubt that four years from now, we’ll be looking back again and celebrating our successes,” he said.
