With recycling bins in every residence-hall room at Ohio University and many local businesses running on solar energy, the effect of Athens City Councilwoman Nancy Bain will be felt long after her retirement.
Bain, D-3rd Ward, helped propose legislation on curbside recycling, which was brought to Athens in 1984, the same year she was appointed to Council.
During her first term, Bain helped advance recycling legislation, Council Clerk Debbie Walker said.
Bain’s continuous work oneducating Athens residents about recycling is exceptional, Councilman Kent Butler, D-1st Ward, said.
“Nancy has worked tirelessly for the betterment of the community, especially by making Athens greener and through infrastructure,” Butler said.
For 26 years, Bain has served on Council as both an at large member and a 3rd Ward representative. Additionally, her 40 years of experience as a professor of environmental geography at OU contributed to her efforts
toward helping Athens establish its green movement.
“I try to use my experience in the classroom to help get things done on Council issues and vice versa,” Bain said.
Bain’s interest and work on the refinement of the Clean Water Act has continued throughout her Council career, most recently shown through plans to renovate the water-treatment plant.
Bain also has contributed greatly to the creation and expansion of the bike path and renovation of the sewer plant.
Finance and the Council’s budget also have been a focal point for Bain throughout her career.
Councilman at large Jim Sands said Bain has a sense about finance and that her knowledge has helped keep Athens in relatively good fiscal health.
“Nancy understands, worries and cares about Athens,” Sands said. “Her attention to detail is her greatest gift to the city. Talk about commitment.”
With Council receiving a
$1 million reduction in its budget, Bain said she is very concerned about her last few months on Council but is looking forward to spending more time with her
family.
“I’m going to miss being ‘in the know,’ ” Bain said. “But it’s time for me to go.”
kg287609@ohiou.edu
