Alvin L. Perkins is seeking re-election as Wood County commissioner for the term commencing Jan. 3. Perkins was first elected as a commissioner in 1982. He was most recently re-elected commissioner in 1992. Prior to becoming commissioner, Perkins was twice elected mayor of Bowling Green and served two terms on city council.

''Over the years I believe I have been able to make a contribution to the well-being of Wood County. Though we continue to face challenges like any place else, by any measure, Wood County is generally doing well," he said. "We can be proud of our A-l Moody Bond Rating. And we have reason to believe it may rise even higher to A-2 by this fall. By comparison, unfortunately, many Ohio counties are facing lower credit ratings, financial crisis and even default."

"I am also particularly proud of our ongoing accomplishments in the area of jobs and economic development made during my tenure.With the work of Wood County Economic Development Commission which I am proud to have helped establish, the county has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. "I have never short-changed the taxpayers and have always put in the time and energy to do any job effectively. I believe I have always kept my promise to be open and available to Wood Countians and to work in a spirit of cooperation. I continue to believe that I need citizen input to do my job."

During his seven years as mayor he was twice elected president of the Wood County Mayors' Association, a group which he helped charter. He also served on the National Resources Committee of the National League of Cities. He is a member of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments Executive Committee and serves on its Portage River Council. Perkins is a Perrysburg area native who graduated from Perrysburg High School in 1951. After returning from service in the Army in Germany, he lived in Bowling Green over 35 years before moving to Center Township.

He is a member of the BG Elks Club, Brotherhood of Plumbers and Pipefitters, VFVV, American Legion, AMVETS, Methodist Church, BG Lions, Chamber of Commerce, Farmers Union (Life Member), Perrysburg Democratic Club and the Wood County Democratic Party Executive Committee. Perkins and his wife, Gail, reside in Bowling Green. They have two grown children, Tom and Robbie.