Galion City Council will consider four candidates for its vacant First Ward seat during a special meeting 7 p.m. April 5 in Council Chambers.
The position was vacated on March 10 by the sudden resignation of Sarah Capretta, who resigned for personal reasons.
Candidates for the position include:
* Kenneth E. Bodkins, Sr.
* William E. Comerford
* Paula E. Durbin
* James Wetzel
Council is expected to choose a candidate in public session after the interviews.
Bodkins is the owner of several businesses in Galion, including Victory Lanes and previously served on Galion City Council.
“My background and experience make me a good choice to fill this position,” he wrote in his application. “My roots and life are in this town. My home and businesses are all in this town. I am proud of this town’s history and accomplishments. Times have been difficult, but not just for Galion. I don’t believe that all of the best years are behind us—l believe that our future has unlimited potential.”
Comerford is a store manager at the Rite Aid in Marion. He ran for Galion Treasurer last fall.
“Coupling together thirteen years of successful retail management experience and my educational background will provide a strong foundation for continued success for representing the citizens of Galion,” he said. “(I have a) strong ability to communicate effectively with associates, peers, and community members.”
Durbin had previously served as Galion City Treasurer and ran last fall for an at-large Council seat. She curremtly is a part-time Legal Assistant with Galion attorney Roberta Wade.
“l have over forty years of experience in the Travel and Tourism Industry and am very familiar on how a Destination Marketing Organization should operate and survive in today’s economy,” she wrote, citing her experience with the Loudonville Convention and Visitors Bureau in Loudonville and the Waco Convention Center in Texas. “I have owned a travel business. I have maintained a government budget. I have managed people. And I have experience as an elected official. I am well qualified for the office of City Council member representing Ward One.
Wetzel is the Property Manager at Buckeye Arms Apartments in Galion and his public experience included serving as police officer in Crestline from 1984-1996.
“Dedicated and technically skilled business professional with a versatile administrative suppoft skill set developed through experience as a Property Manager,” he wrote on his resume. “(I) excel in resolving employer challenges with innovative solutions, systems and process improvements proven to increase efficiency, customer satisfaction and the bottom line.”
