Potential Conflicts of Interest in Arcadia, Ohio’s 2025 Village Council

As Arcadia, Ohio approaches its 2025 local elections, scrutiny is rising over the makeup of its Village Council. The candidate slate includes several familiar names—and not just because some are incumbents. With multiple council members sharing last names, and one individual holding multiple administrative roles within the village, residents and observers are asking whether personal relationships could create conflicts of interest that affect governance.

Family Ties and Dual Roles

The current council list for Arcadia includes the following:

• Mayor: Brian Fink

• Clerk & Fiscal Officer: Amie Clouse

• Village Administrator: Mark Bowman

• Council President: Aadam Duckett

• Council Members: Chester Balderson, Angela Kimble, Rhonda Dingelstedt, Jennifer Bowman, Stephanie Balderson

Notable relationships and overlaps include:

• Mark Bowman and Jennifer Bowman: Both hold significant positions—Mark as Village Administrator and Jennifer as a Council Member. The shared surname suggests a potential family relationship.

• Chester Balderson and Stephanie Balderson: Both serve on the council, raising similar concerns about family or personal connections.

• Amie Clouse: Serves as both Clerk and Fiscal Officer, concentrating authority in financial oversight and administration.

These connections, whether familial or otherwise, highlight a scenario where personal relationships may overlap with official duties.

Why Personal Relationships Matter

Local government ethics emphasize that all public officials should act solely in the public interest. When staff or council members are related, or when one person holds multiple roles, there are real concerns that:

• Decision-making could be influenced by family ties rather than objective criteria.

• Oversight may be inadequate if relatives are tasked with supervising each other.

• Transparency and fairness could be compromised, leading to favoritism in appointments, contracts, or everyday governance.

Ohio state law and municipal codes generally address these risks by requiring officials to disclose potential conflicts, and to recuse themselves from deliberations or decisions that could benefit close associates. However, enforcement and transparency frequently depend on local awareness and engagement.

Looking Ahead: Community Vigilance and Ethical Leadership

As the 2025 elections draw near, it is crucial for Arcadia’s citizens to carefully monitor the council’s activities for transparency and strict adherence to ethical standards. The presence of personal relationships within a governing body is not illegal—but it demands that voters, officials, and media organizations remain vigilant.

Residents and journalists should:

• Request and review public disclosures of relationships and potential conflicts.

• Press for independent oversight on hiring, financial decisions, and bidding processes.

• Hold public officials to clear standards of accountability.

Ultimately, a healthy democracy depends on the openness, honesty, and fair-mindedness of those who serve. Arcadia’s election season is an opportunity to reinforce those values for the benefit of all its people.