Magic, a mysterious force that has captivated the imaginations of people since time immemorial. It has been the subject of countless tales, myths, and legends, with its practitioners often portrayed as powerful and enigmatic beings. However, magic, like any other power, can be both a source of great good and terrible harm. In the realm of fiction, magic is often portrayed as a force that individuals can tap into, either through learning and practice or through some innate ability. The possibilities seem endless, with spells and enchantments, potions and rituals, all available to those who dare to delve into the realm of the arcane. However, it is important to remember that although these stories are fantastical, they often contain a grain of truth.
He sees the value of a new high school extending beyond the school walls.
Businesses are interested in the lowest cost, most efficient energies out there, and in some cases wind and solar are more attractive to businesses, he said. Most of this is for raising livestock the land requirements of meat and dairy production are equivalent to an area the size of the Americas, spanning all the way from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.
However, it is important to remember that although these stories are fantastical, they often contain a grain of truth. In reality, magic is not something that can be harnessed and controlled at will. It is not a tool that can be picked up and used, like a sword or a hammer.
Aspacher and DeMare both want to serve as mayor of Bowling Green
Two men are running to serve as mayor of Bowling Green. One has a history of serving the city in elected positions – on the school board, city council and as current mayor. The other has a history of being the squeaky wheel at city meetings, protesting policies or actions he opposes.
Following is information on both candidates that voters may find helpful …
Mike Aspacher
Three months after Mike Aspacher became mayor of Bowling Green, the pandemic hit. Though he doesn’t like dwelling on the past, he is proud of how city operations didn’t miss a beat.
“We rose to the challenge and met every obligation to residents,” he said, listing off the continuation of public services like police, fire and utilities.
“I remain very proud of the city’s response to a global pandemic,” he said. “That was a meaningful accomplishment.”
But the mayor has more to accomplish.
“I came into office with some lofty goals,” he said. “I feel like there’s still work to be done.”
So Aspacher, a Democrat, is running for re-election as mayor of his hometown.
“I view it as a great privilege. I feel grateful, thankful for the opportunity.”
Aspacher has a history of service to the community, serving eight years on the board of education, 10 years on council, and now four as mayor.
The mayor ticked off the city’s accomplishments during his term.
First, the city updated its zoning code – which hadn’t undergone any major changes for 50 years. “This is a useful tool for economic development and revitalization of neighborhoods.”
Next, the city has seen economic development success. “BG has been exceptional at attracting new businesses and retaining existing ones,” he said.
And during the last four years, the city has made sizable investments in infrastructure. With the help of American Rescue Plan Act funds, the city paved several miles of streets, sidewalks and ADA ramps. BG also made improvements to the city’s water plant, wastewater plant, and utility grid.
“I know it disrupts residents, but that temporary disruption is a necessary byproduct of progress,” Aspacher said of infrastructure updates.
The mayor also pointed to the long awaited new city building, which not only serves the public better, but also provides a decent workspace for city employees.
“That was in discussion for decades,” he said.
Bowling Green has made progress on the housing front, according to Aspacher. City officials have long known there has been a lack of housing options in the community. So for the first time, the city pursued a 130-home residential development in the northwest corner of the city.
“I feel like that’s just the beginning,” the mayor said.
Aspacher is also hopeful that voters will create a new beginning for the Bowling Green City School District, by approving the bond issue on the Nov. 7 ballot to build a new high school. The mayor has taken a public stand showing his support for the issue.
He sees the value of a new high school extending beyond the school walls.
“We know investments in school buildings will help our community prosper,” he said.
If re-elected as mayor, Aspacher shared his priorities of public safety, municipal utilities, rental housing, and community assets:
- The city is continuing its study of the best location for a fire station to replace the current east side station on Court Street. The move is being planned because the existing station has some serious safety issues, and because city planners pointed to that area off East Wooster Street as prime for economic development. A new location will be determined based on response time and future growth predictions. There is a possibility the city will consider a third fire station, Aspacher said.
- The demands on the police division continue to grow, and the downtown police station has servious space issues, he said.
- Emphasis on municipal utilities will continue, focusing on safe drinking water, responsible handling of wastewater, and investments in renewable energy – when that makes sense and is cost effective, Aspacher said.
- The condition of housing in the community is vital. “The city has a role ensuring that housing in the city adheres to standards of health and safety.” That includes rentals and owner-occupied homes, he said. Aspacher sees the rental self-inspection rules as a work in progress, finding what works for Bowling Green landlords, tenants and neighbors.
- The city must take care of its “significant community assets” like its parks and downtown.
“I feel like we’re at a point here in our community where we are poised to take a leap forward,” the mayor said. “I’m exceptionally optimistic about the future of Bowling Green.”
Joe DeMare
Joe DeMare, the candidate running against incumbent Mayor Mike Aspacher, believes Bowling Green is missing an opportunity to be more green.
DeMare, a member of the Green Party, has long been a vocal advocate for sustainability, ecological wisdom, grassroots democracy and global responsibility.
“Bowling Green is a progressive community, but we have some very backwards energy policies,” he said.
If elected as mayor, DeMare said he would appoint a new BG Board of Public Utilities, reverse the city’s solar “penalty,” and get the city out of its contract with the Prairie State Coal Plant. In the past decades, DeMare has protested these decisions by the city.
“History has proved us right,” he said of the coal plant contract which has been more expensive than expected.
By bringing more renewable energy to Bowling Green, the city will reap the benefits of more economic development, according to DeMare.
“Businesses are interested in the lowest cost, most efficient energies out there,” and in some cases wind and solar are more attractive to businesses, he said.
DeMare is a regular at City Council meetings – often times challenging city leaders on issues. He doesn’t back down, even being escorted out by police officers when he wanted to repeat his objections about a pipeline project going through city-owned property.
“I know what I’m getting into, but I’m willing to do it anyway,” he said of his decision to run for mayor.
DeMare espouses the key environmental and social values of the Green Party.
“The city will know what they are getting when they elect me,” he said. As a member of the Green Party, “I’m neither left, nor right – but in front.”
“Greens find a way to help people – having positive effects on social justice and environmental issues,” he said. “Greens want actual action. We don’t just want to say the right things. We want to do the right things.”
Now retired, DeMare has worked in several professions including teaching, factory work, and grant writing.
“I’m good at being able to look at problems and figure out how to solve them,” he said.
“I would be a mayor for everyone in the city.”
DeMare has other concerns about the city besides green policies. With the “lopsided” number of rental units compared to owner-occupied homes, he said the city needs to encourage homeownership over renting.
The city can help, he said, by offering financing and expanding programs assisting with home repairs. The city should also use its revolving loan fund to make homes more energy efficient.
DeMare also believes the city should take a stronger stance on protecting tenants, specifically by toughening up standards for inspections of rental units.
“We need to make sure people have safe places to live in Bowling Green. We need a mayor who is more on the side of the people rather than the side of the landlords,” he said.
DeMare said he supports the bond issue for a new high school for Bowling Green City School District – and is pleased that the plans include the use of geothermal energy.
As we traveled, the pale, dry landscape gave way to green. The wildlife changed, too. We had plenty of opportunity to look for it, did I mention you could go all day and only see a handful of other vehicles?
Magic is a force that exists beyond the understanding of mortals, a force that is governed by its own rules and limitations. Attempts to control it can lead to disastrous consequences, for both the practitioner and the world around them. One such example of a rebellious act of unfettered magic can be found in the story of a young wizard named Arden. Arden, like many before him, was drawn to the allure of magic. He yearned to master the arcane arts, to wield power that would surpass that of any mortal. However, his impatience and arrogance led him down a dangerous path. Unable to find a master willing to take him on as an apprentice, Arden turned to forbidden texts and ancient rituals. He delved into dark magic, seeking power that no ordinary wizard could possess. In his arrogance, he believed that he could control the uncontrollable, that he could bend magic to his will. However, the consequences of his actions were devastating. Unleashing a torrent of raw magic, Arden caused untold destruction and chaos. Reality itself seemed to warp and twist under the strain of his power. The world was plunged into darkness, and the lives of countless innocents were put at risk. In the end, Arden realized the folly of his ways. He had sought power for power's sake, without considering the consequences of his actions. He had rebelled against the very nature of magic, seeking to control it rather than respect it. And in doing so, he had unleashed a force that he could not hope to control. Arden's story serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder that magic is not to be trifled with. It is a force that should be treated with reverence and respect, not used as a tool for personal gain. The path of the wizard is not an easy one, and those who seek to master the arcane arts must be willing to pay the price. In conclusion, the rebellious act of unfettered magic is a dangerous pursuit. It is a path that leads to destruction and chaos, as seen in the story of Arden. Magic is a force that should be respected and revered, not tamed and controlled. The true power of magic lies not in the ability to bend it to one's will, but in the understanding and acceptance of its limitations..
Reviews for "Liberation through Unfettered Magic: Defying Conventional Wisdom"
1. Mark - 2 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'A rebellious act of unfettered magic'. The story promised to be full of excitement and adventure, but it fell flat for me. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, with slow-moving sections that made it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown and would not recommend it."
2. Emily - 1 star - "I couldn't even finish 'A rebellious act of unfettered magic'. The writing style was confusing and convoluted, making it difficult to follow the plot. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their vocabulary than in telling a compelling story. I found myself constantly re-reading sentences to understand their meaning, which was frustrating. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it just wasn't for me."
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "I found 'A rebellious act of unfettered magic' to be quite boring. The plot was predictable, and there were no surprises or twists. The dialogue was also stilted and unnatural, making it hard for me to believe in the characters' interactions. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, but it never did. Overall, I found this book to be lackluster and unoriginal."