Wapak mayor on the ballot
Apr. 29—WAPAKONETA — On Tuesday, residents in Wapakoneta will be voting on a new mayor, council president, auditor and three council seats. There are three Republican Candidates running for the mayoral seat: incumbent Mayor Steve Henderson, Dan Lee and Tom Finkelmeier Jr. Currently, there are no Democratic or write-in opponents. The Republican candidate chosen will run unopposed in the November election.
Henderson served as the council president before being appointed as the interim mayor. He took office following the felony conviction of former mayor Tom Stinebaugh. Finkelmeier previously served two terms on the Wapakoneta City Council. Lee currently serves as the second ward councilor in Wapakoneta.
On Thursday evening, Wapakoneta High School held a forum that was moderated by the Youth in Government YMCA Program. The candidates shared their responses following the question 'what makes you different from your opponents'.
"I am the candidate with vision," said Finkelmeier. "Not just a vision but vision period. When the Eagles offered their vacant bingo hall at the Chamber, the chamber board was unenthusiastic. I saw the building as it could be and convinced them. When an aircraft broker offered to sell the only civilian aircraft Mr. Armstrong ever set a world record in for $500,000. I told them we don't have any money like that. But I could stay the contact for six years keeping that dream alive. I welcomed it as the aircraft [made] its final flight home to Wapakoneta. My vision allows me to see the possible."
Henderson said the difference is his current and previous roles in government.
"Very simple one-word answer for this one is experience," said Henderson. "I've served our community as a long-term city councilor and president of the council for over 25 years. As your mayor for nearly two, I have lived in this position. As the vice president of our economic development board for nearly 20 years, I have experienced strong economic growth with my team. With regards to our 460-acre job-ready site, Ohio's first certified site, I have the business experience to speak on behalf of Wapakoneta and I'm proud of our city's continued growth."
Lee said his difference as a potential mayor was hope to hold the leadership style of being a servant.
"I think there are two things that make me different than my opponents," said Lee. "One is my leadership style. I'm considered a servant leader. I'm a person that wants to serve so that our leaders can be better. I'll listen to them, listen to what they need, and make sure they get the resources that they need to make their jobs easier. I want to be the person that serves I don't need to be in the spotlight. The other thing that I would bring is a listening ear."
Candidates Chad Dunlap and Terry Campbell are on the ballot for the council at large seat.
According to the Auglaize County Board of Elections, the Wapakoneta election ballot is as follows.
Mayoral Candidates
—Thomas S. Finkelmeier Jr.,
—Incumbent Mayor Steve E. Henderson
—Dan Lee
President of Council, Wapakoneta City
—Chad A. Doll
Auditor, Wapakoneta City
—Wilbur G. Wells
Director of Law, Wapakoneta City
—No petition valid
Member of Council at Large, Wapakoneta City
—Chad Dunlap
—Terry Campbell
First Ward
—No petition valid
Second Ward
—No petition valid
Third Ward
—Brandon Miller
Fourth Ward
—Alex Greve
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
