PEMBERVILLE — Voters in the village have a choice in the upcoming election to keep the current mayor, Carol Bailey, or to replace her with Dennis Henline.
The incumbent is serving her fourth year of her first term as mayor. Prior to becoming mayor, she served two years on the village’s council.
She said she is running for re-election to finish several projects in the village.
“We have a lot of projects we have started, and I’d like to see them finished,” Bailey said, noting two of those projects are the replacement of the village’s water tower and the replacement of the bridge on Bridge Street.
Bailey said her experience in applying for and securing $38 million in federal and state grants for all the major projects in the village is what sets her apart from her opponent.
When asked what is working in the village, Bailey said Pemberville is now moving forward in its quest for improvements that will allow the town to obtain more business and grow its population.
Conversely, she said what is not working are rumors about the projects and the funding for them. As a point on this subject, Bailey pointed to a recent council meeting at which some residents were misinformed about how the grants could be spent.
Bailey has been a resident of the village for 35 years.
Henline said he is running for mayor to ensure having a person in the position who will work to promote a proper business environment.
“We need someone who will move businesses forward in the community,” Henline said. “Business is important to me,” adding his family owns commercial businesses in the village.
Henline said that business experience has provides him with the skills to run the village efficiently and properly. Henline said his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a minor in marketing will positively affect the town.
Henline said he thinks the improvements in infrastructure are part of what makes the town work. He added those infrastructure improvements will allow Pemberville to bring in additional revenues. He also points to the pride residents feel for the community is another way things are working in the town.
However, he thinks there is division among residents. Henline points to members of council as part of this division. He said he will seek to unify council members if he is elected mayor, noting village residents need to support officials of the town.
Henline said he would also work to establish a dog park in the village.
Henline has been a lifelong resident of the village.
