To the Editor:
It is unusual in Bowling Green to have contested primary elections for City Council positions. But this
May, there are two such races – one in the First Ward and the other for an at-large position. I am
writing in support of the incumbents, Mark Hollenbaugh and Bruce Jeffers.
I do not believe that incumbents are entitled to remain in their positions just because they are
incumbents. There can be legitimate reasons to turn an incumbent from office, perhaps demonstrated poor
judgment, a failure to listen to one’s constituents, and the like. On the other hand, in my opinion,
incumbents who have performed as admirably as Bruce and Mark earn the right to continue in office.
I served on City council for six years with Jeffers. Bruce consistently demonstrated a strong desire to
evaluate controversial issues from every possible angle. He tried to work with the city administration
but was willing to differ from the Administration’s viewpoint when he thought it was merited. Bruce and
I did not reach the same conclusion on every single issue that arose, but I always thought Bruce was one
of the most thoughtful public officials I dealt with. I feel strongly enough about Bruce’s candidacy
that I intend to request a Democratic ballot in the primary for the first time in my life.
I served on council for a much shorter time with Hollenbaugh, but Mark has more than amply demonstrated
an uncommon interest in local government. Besides serving on council, Mark has served on a number of
city boards and commissions, a truly thankless task. In every capacity, Mark has demonstrated a bright,
incisive mind, sound judgment, and he brings a wealth of experience to city council. I do not know
Mark’s opponents in the primary, but I think it is highly unlikely that there could be a better
representative for the First Ward than Mark.
Although primary turnout is generally notoriously low, I encourage voters in Bowling Green to return
these two fine council members to another term in office.
Bob McOmber
Bowling Green