Independent looks to shake up Findlay council

FINDLAY — Findlay's 5th Ward Councilman Brian Bauman has an independent challenger in the general election. Kevin Cullen Sr., 70, is proud to be running as an independent against Bauman. Cullen said he didn't fundraise either. "That means, I don't owe anyone anything, except the 5th Ward and other residents of Findlay," he said. Cullen is a longtime educator and small business owner. He teaches TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) as an adjunct professor at the University of Findlay and runs the Academy of Martial Arts Studies in Findlay. He also performs as the lead singer of the Together Band, a local music group. Cullen previously served one year on the Elmore Village Council after being appointed in 2000. He said he's running to restore accountability and transparency in city government and to rebuild trust between council and the community. "I want to help bring accountability and transparency on all projects from initial plan to fruition to my 5th Ward constituents and the city of Findlay as a whole," Cullen said. "We must always place infrastructure, safety and progress at the forefront, but never push ahead at the risk of any detriment to my 5th Warders or Findlay residents." Bauman, 37, is self-employed. Bauman made an unsuccessful run for the seat in 2019 and was unopposed in 2021 and 2023. Bauman said his priorities remain focused on flood mitigation, modernizing zoning codes and upgrading aging water and sewer infrastructure. "These are the big issues and are the foundation on which I serve my constituents on council," Bauman said. "I often ask myself, 'Is the proposed solution to meet these challenges good for Findlay?' If the answer is yes, it gets my vote." If reelected, Bauman will become a "senior" member of council. Eight of the 11 members of Findlay City Council, including Council President John Harrington, did not seek reelection. "I have never viewed my service on council through the lens of seniority. There are many talented incoming council members, and I look forward to working with each of them towards Findlay's continued success," he said.