WAPAKONETA — Three candidates are seeking to lead Wapakoneta in the next term of office for mayor. Republican candidates Dan Lee, Tom Finkelmeier Jr. and incumbent Mayor Steve Henderson will all be on the ballot on Tuesday, May 2 for the primary election.
Henderson took office after former mayor Tom Stinebaugh was convicted as a felon in October 2022 and thus can no longer hold elected office. Henderson had been serving as the Wapakoneta Council President at the time of his appointment. Lee currently serves as the Second Ward Councilor on the Wapakoneta City Council. Finkelmeier also previously served on the Wapakoneta City Council.
A forum was held Thursday evening at the Performing Arts Center at the Wapakoneta High School. The forum was moderated by the Youth in Government YMCA program.
The three candidates shared their hopes and vision for the future of Wapakoneta.
“Our downtown is the envy of many downtowns,” said Henderson. “To have a dynamic community, what I personally want to see is what I’m already doing with continued economic development. We have great community leaders and our economic development board has been very proactive through innovation and it continues to grow economically. I want it to look like it does now where we grow responsibly while maintaining our historic identity.”
Lee also weighed in on his vision.
“I want Wapakoneta to be more inviting and more hospitable, more thriving in retail and community, with everyone being proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Lee. “I want our children to see their parents and want to have what they have and aspire to stay in Wapakoneta. The objectives can be achieved by steady growth in business and industry and continuing to invest in our utilities.”
Finkelmeier also shared his vision for the future of Wapakoneta.
”If you want more and better city services but you don’t want to pay more taxes, then you need more tax payers,” said Finkelmeier. “I would hope at the end of my term, I have helped to secure additional significant expansion in the area. I would hope my efforts lead to equal or better job creation and Wapakoneta to keep us always growing.”
Community members can vote from now until election day, May 2. Currently, there are no Democratic or write-in candidates running for the election. The Republican candidate chosen in the primary election will run unopposed in the general election in November.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
