Oregon’s Bihn misses the Nov. ballot deadline
6/21/2013Oregon City Councilman Sandy Bihn won’t appear on the ballot for re-election this November because she missed the candidate filing deadline, the Lucas County Board of Elections ruled on Thursday.
The board voted 4-0 not to certify her candidate petitions for the Nov. 5 ballot.
Ms. Bihn, executive director of Lake Erie Waterkeeper Inc., president of the Toledo Lighthouse Society, and an environmental activist, turned in her petition about 4:30 p.m. on June 12, half an hour after the deadline, and with only 47 valid signatures, according to board Director Meghan Gallagher. The law requires 50 valid signatures.
A Democrat, Ms. Bihn was seeking her sixth term since 1983. She also has been employed for 17 years as Oregon clerk auditor and finance director. She declined to comment when contacted.
Candidates certified by the board to run for seven seats on Oregon City Council, including those previously approved, are incumbents Gerald Peach, Terrance Reeves, James Seaman, Michael Sheehy, and Dennis Walendzak, and challengers Marvin Dabish, Kathleen Pollauf, and Timothy Zale.
The elections board also certified as candidates for mayor of Oregon incumbent Mayor Michael Seferian and Councilman Thomas Susor. There will be no primary election for Oregon council or mayor.
The board certified nine candidates for four seats on Maumee City Council, assuring there will be a primary Sept. 10.
The candidates are incumbents Brent Buehrer, Julie Rubini, Michael Coyle, and Timothy Pauken, and challengers Danny Cobb, John Schafer, Hal Simon, Thomas Wagener, Jr., and Maria Zapiecki.
The elections board certified Republican Constantine Stamos to run for Toledo Municipal Clerk of Courts against incumbent Democrat Vallie Bowman-English.
The board certified the first candidate in the race for six at-large seats on Toledo City Council — Republican Ernest McCarthy of East Toledo.
Don Gozdowski, an independent, was certified to run as a write-in candidate for mayor of Toledo. At least seven others are circulating petitions.
Democrat Gretchen DeBacker was certified to run for Toledo Municipal Court judge for the seat now held by Republican Michael Goulding, who said he intends to seek re-election.
The deadline for Toledo mayor, council, and judge candidates is July 12.
Also certified were Lee Bialecki to run for Providence Township trustee and Cynthia Irmen and Jeff Michael to run for Swanton Township trustee.
Contact Tom Troy at:
tomtroy@theblade.com
or 419-724-6058.