COLUMBUS — Northwood’s mayor, a Bowling Green councilman, and a Perrysburg military veteran are vying for Wood County’s seat in the Ohio House that has suddenly been put into play.
The 3rd District has long been a safe one for Republicans, but Democrats see an opening now that Rep. Tim Brown (R., Bowling Green) is resigning to head the Toledo Area Metropolitan Council of Governments.
”This race is now top tier,” said Aaron Fisher, executive director of the House Democratic Caucus. “It wasn’t on our radar before this. We’ve got a great candidate in Kelly Wicks, who has run before and knows the district.”
David Walters, unopposed in the March 15 Democratic primary, stepped aside to make way for Mr. Wicks, owner of the Grounds for Thought coffeehouse in Bowling Green. Mr. Wicks ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2015 and for state representative in 2012.
The district has been represented for decades by Republicans such as current U.S. Rep. Bob Latta and state Sen. Randy Gardner. But Democratic President Obama carried the county over Republican Mitt Romney in 2012.
Republicans will appoint Mr. Brown’s successor on Aug. 2. Submitting applications by Friday’s deadline were:
● Edward Schimmel, Northwood mayor, former city councilman, attorney, and farmer who has had success in a Democratic-leaning portion of the county.
● Theresa Charters Gavarone, a second-term Bowling Green councilman, attorney, and co-owner of Mr. Spots, a Philly cheesesteak sandwich shop.
● Haraz N. Ghanbari, the director of military services at the University of Toledo who served in the U.S. Army and Navy, served in Bosnia and Afghanistan, now serves as a Navy Reserve lieutenant, and worked as a photojournalist with the military and Associated Press.
“These individuals all have impressive backgrounds and experiences, and I look forward to working with House members and Wood County officials to select the best candidate for the role,” Speaker Cliff Rosenberger (R., Clarksville) said.
A screening committee will interview candidates Wednesday. The appointment would take place on Aug. 2.
“I do think Democrats are correct that this is going to be a really hard-fought race,” Mr. Schimmel said. “With me coming from this district, it shows that I’ve convinced a lot of Democrats that I can work with them and will not go to Columbus and work one side of the aisle.”
As a mother, Mrs. Gavarone said she understands the challenges faced by families.
“I’ve volunteered in schools and with sports teams,” she said. “I’m also an attorney, so I’ve served as guardian ad litem protecting the interests of kids. As an attorney, I’ve had 22 years of seeing addiction and mental health concerns first hand.”
Lieutenant Ghanbari, a political newcomer born near Cleveland, returned to Ohio from northern Virginia four years ago to take the UT job.
“I saw [the state House race] as an opportunity to help more people across the entire district and state of Ohio to pass common-sense legislation, keep jobs in Ohio, reinvest in the economy and education system, support veterans, and help Ohio become the most vet-friendly state in the United States,” he said.
House Republicans will also fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Rep. Barbara Sears (R., Monclova Township), who has joined the Kasich administration.
The 47th District, consisting of Lucas County’s western suburbs and most of Fulton County, will be filled with Derek Merrin, a former Waterville mayor who won the GOP nomination in the March primary.
Democrats, meanwhile, will screen candidates on Monday to fill the void on their ballot in the 47th created by the recent withdrawal of Michael Sarantou. Two local attorneys, Lauri Cooper and Gary Newnham, are contenders.
Contact Jim Provance at: jprovance@theblade.com or 614-221-0496.
First Published July 10, 2016, 4:05 a.m.
