WESTON — The election for mayor of Weston pits the incumbent candidate Jeremy Schroeder against a previous mayor of the village, Howard Lashuay.
Lashuay said he is running to get back his position in the village to make what he feels are some much-needed changes.
“We are spending a lot of money in (the village) that doesn’t need to be spent,” the former mayor said, adding several residents of the town asked him to run in this year’s mayoral election.
The former mayor said his previous eight years as mayor, from 2004-2011, provided him with the skills he needs to run the village again. He said he also served on village council for 15 years, most recently from 1990-2003.
While Lashuay said he did not want to comment on the aspects of what is working in the village, he said there are many things that are not working.
He said he wants to bring more revenues into the Wood County village, something he said has been lacking with the current administration. He said he has plans to do this, but declined to give any specifics at this time.
Lashuay said he also plans to expand activities for the children of the town, and likewise for the seniors.
The former mayor said that at one time he moved to Bowling Green for about 10 years but moved back to the village in 1971. He pointed out he spent two years in the United States Navy.
While he is retired now, Lashuay said he worked in the auto body business all his life.
Incumbent mayor Jeremy Schroeder is serving his eighth year in the mayor’s office, following two years on village council.
He said he is running to keep the momentum in the village going.
“That momentum is making (Weston) a better place to live. It really is positive for the community,” Schroeder said.
Among the skills that allow him to do a good job as mayor are his 10 years of experience serving the residents, along with his communication skills. These communication skills allow him, he said, to discuss village business with those who offer criticisms. He said he is also a good listener.
Among the factors he counts as working in favor of the village are the many committees, including the economic development committee and the parks and recreation committee. Dealing with problems in the village, such as junk cars and tall grass, take a unified approach.
One of the things that Schroeder said needs more attention in the village are the sidewalks. He said some of them need repair. However, Schroeder said he feels most things are going well.
Schroeder, who is 39, said he is a native of the village and has lived there all but two years of his life. Those two years, he lived in Bowling Green while attending college at BGSU. He is a graduate of Otsego High School.
