Dauterman is the last remaining student-candidate of the three who vied for positions up for grabs this November.
For many Ohio University students, summer break is a time for internships, summer jobs or a few courses.
But for Aaron Dauterman, a senior studying communication studies, this summer was campaign season.
Dauterman is currently running as the sole Republican contender in this year’s at-large city council race.
C.J. Fogarty, the other Republican candidate and a junior studying history, dropped out of the running in July. Andrew Looker, an OU senior and one-time Republican mayoral hopeful, dropped out of his race in June.
If elected, Dauterman would be the youngest member serving on council, more than two decades younger than 44-year-old councilman Kent Butler, D-1st Ward, who is the youngest sitting member.
This was Dauterman’s first summer in Athens, and he’s kept himself busy.
He said he spent most days introducing himself to residents.
“Going out to talk to community members who are here from year-round, it’s a very humbling experience listening to them trying to figure out ways I would be able to advocate on their behalf,” he said.
He said his campaign organized a meeting with local businesses and the Athens Chamber of Commerce in late July to discuss long-term economic strategy.
In addition to attending to his campaign, he took on three classes during the first section of the summer term, and one class during the second.
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Pete Couladis, chair of the Athens County Republican Party, said he’s confident in the work Dauterman has put into his campaign so far.
“He’s working; he’s got yard signs. He’s raising money,” he said. “I think he’s going to be a strong candidate.”
Couladis added that it’s difficult for any Republican candidate, let alone a student, to be elected in Athens.
According to Athens County Board of Elections data, in 2014 almost 8 percent of registered voters in Athens are Republican, compared to more than 18 percent who identify as Democrats.
“All I can say is that in the city of Athens being a Republican puts me in a bit of a disadvantage,” Dauterman said. “I’m optimistic. I was getting some good feedback (during my campaign).”
It’s also not unheard of for a student to serve on city council.
In 1988, Rex Scott, also a Republican, became the first student to be elected to city council. After that, three Democratic students were elected to council, including Pat Lang in 1998, who now serves as Athens County Common Pleas Court judge.
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“I think around this time back almost 20 years ago I was mostly knocking on doors in the residential areas, and that’s something I think made a big difference,” Lang said regarding his late ‘90s campaign efforts.
That year, on top of campaigning Lang was juggling a part time job at Papa John’s as well as a work study at Chubb Hall, but said that summer was generally a positive experience.
“It was really a good time to not be rushed and to have conversations with people and spend time getting to know them,” Lang said. “It was important to take time to talk to people and show them I’m not a boogeyman student who’s just looking to create a havoc.”
Dauterman said he’s already gained a lot of perspective from his conversations with Athens residents.
“I’ve heard a few people say, ‘Oh, you’re the student,’ but their willingness to give them a few minutes of their time and hear my side of the story, it’s been a rather positive,” Dauterman said.
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