WHITEHOUSE – When Whitehouse voters headed to the polls in November 2025, their choices were simple: three candidates running for three open positions. In Waterville that same year, only one candidate was on the ballot for three open positions.
To give voters options in the November 2027 election, Whitehouse Village Council spent part of their Aug. 11 Committee of the Whole meeting brainstorming on ways to recruit council candidates, including through a podcast, social media posts, informational sessions and a “council member for the day” program with high school students.
“This is trying to get people more involved,” said Carrie Tuohy, who is serving her first term in office. Some of the challenges for those new to local government include understanding ordinances and Sunshine rules, and even how to file petitions with the Lucas County Board of Elections, she added.
“Before we go into the details of how to be a council member, we should talk about what is the purpose of Council and why does the village need one,” said Larry Yunker. “When I was running [for office] and talking to people, a lot of people don’t know what happens in this building at all. That’s a good starting point: why it’s important that we have representatives of the community that meet three to four times a month on their behalf – and the kind of decisions that we make.”
Getting residents to come to Council meetings to see how local government works would be an ideal start, agreed Tuohy, joking that it would be nice to serve up hot dogs to lure people to attend.
“I wish people would come. To see that their voices matter,” she said. “We want people to feel welcome, and we want them to run. Even if it’s to replace us. That’s what democracy is all about. We want different voices.”
In 2024, voters approved a charter amendment imposing term limits for council members and the mayor, in order to open up the Council for new people, she added. Tuohy, Yunker and Dave Riggenbach, along with Mayor Rich Bingham, have terms ended Dec. 31, 2027 and will need to seek reelection if desired.
Council directed Administrator Jordan Daugherty to have staff work on ideas for podcasts or informational pieces to post online, and to draft a letter to the schools about partnering to get high school students involved.
During the meeting, council also:
-Discussed a request from Metroparks Toledo for the village to participate in development plans for Blue Creek Metropark, which is within the village, and to help cover the cost of hiring a firm that specializes in engaging the community to get input on the plan.
Council members pointed out that the plan included with the Metroparks request, dated Feb. 13, 2026, includes the concept of a library and conservation center – a project that has since been removed. Daugherty surmised that this was a draft that would be a launching point for community and village to refer to while exploring ideas for the Metropark.
The plan states a goal of turning Blue Creek into a “premiere year-round destination for outdoor adventure” including a possible swimming area in the quarry, an improved sledding hill with artificial snow, a cafe and dog park and a small amphitheater, as well as enhanced restoration of habitats.
“I think the concept plan is amazing and exciting. It would bring a lot of people to the area – who would stay and eat and spend money. I like the idea,” Bublick said.
“We absolutely have to participate, at least in the conversation on the vision of the park. It’s within the village. It is going to affect our residents. It will affect the economic development of the village going forward,” said Council Member Louann Artiaga.
Council agreed to move forward with investing in the plan update, and will vote on the amount during the next regular council meeting, which is Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m.
–Heard Artiaga announce her resignation, effective immediately. Council has 30 days to name her replacement, or the mayor would make the appointment. An application and information on how to apply for the position are posted on the village’s website at whitehouseoh.gov.
