St. Marys mayor to challenge commissioner

ST. MARYS - St. Marys Mayor Patrick McGowan on Tuesday announced his candidacy for Auglaize County commissioner.

He will run against incumbent Doug Spencer in the May 8 Republican primary. Spencer, who was first elected to the commission in 2006, filed for re-election last week.

Born and raised in St. Marys, McGowan said in a news release that if elected, he would work for all the people of Auglaize County.

"There are many issues that will come before us in the next four years," he said in the release. "First and foremost, we must be a vital and active communications link between all communities and townships. We must look at retaining young people to stay or return to Auglaize County after graduation.

McGowan spent 40 years as a business leader working all over the U.S., according to the release. After retirement, he was elected councilman at-large in 2010 and then was elected mayor in 2012. He is serving his second term as mayor, which expires on Dec. 31, 2020. If he's elected, he would be required to choose whether to serve as mayor or commissioner. He cannot hold both seats at the same time.

"I am excited to announce my candidacy for the county commission in the top small county in Ohio," he said in the release. "During my term as mayor, I gained an understanding of the complexities of city government and believe that when combined with my business experience, I can help move Auglaize County forward."