2 aim to replace retiring Regula

WAPAKONETA - Two Republicans are running in the March 17 primary election to fill retiring Auglaize County Commissioner Don Regula's seat.

According to the preliminary list of petitions and issues provided by the Auglaize County Board of Elections, Wapakoneta resident Steve Henderson and New Knoxville resident David Bambauer have filed petitions to run. Incumbent commissioner John Bergman is running unopposed.

Regula decided not to run for re-election after more than 10 years on the board.

"I've been on long enough. You just know when it's time," he told the newspaper of his retirement.

He said one of his proudest accomplishments as commissioner is the $8 million renovation of the Auglaize County Courthouse, which was completed in 2012 without incurring any debt.

"It was a big deal. I was very proud," he said.

Regula is a Wapakoneta farmer with several decades of public service, including as Clay Township trustee for 20 years. He has held all top offices in the Auglaize Soil and Water Conservation District and has served two years as president of the County Township Association and vice chair of Auglaize County Republican Central Committee. He was elected to the board of county commissioners in 2008.

County Coroner Dr. Thomas Robert Freytag also did not file for re-election. St. Marys Republican Jason Stienecker was the only person to file for that office.

Also running unopposed are incumbents county clerk of courts Jean Meckstroth, county engineer Douglas Reinhart, probate judge Mark Spees, county prosecutor Edwin Pierce, county recorder Emily Schlenker and county treasurer April Bowersock.

St. Marys voters will be asked to consider renewing St. Marys Public Library's five-year, 0.75-mill levy for current expenses.