Nicholas Clark is taking what he calls a “crash course in politics.”

Clark, a sophomore from Dowgiac, Mich., has filed to run for Bowling Green City Commission in the November election.

His roommate, Joseph Southworth, a freshman also from Dowgiac, and economics professor Brian Strow have also entered the race.

All three are candidates for the same political office with another connection – they spend their days in classrooms on the Hill.

Tuesday was the last day to file for the election.

Clark and Southworth said there are not enough young people voting and hope to bring out more young voters by running.

“I don’t care if you vote for me or not,” Clark said. “Just get out there and vote.”

Clark and Southworth said if elected they would work to establish a set of renters’ rights for Bowling Green residents.

Strow is making his second run for a commission seat – he ran in 2002 but was unsuccessful.

He said he applauds the students for entering the race.

Strow said he wants to repeal a 33 percent occupational tax increase passed by the City Commission last fall.

He said he also wants city government to be more open with the public after questions were raised over spending at the Sloan Convention Center.

The issue is still being investigated independently.

Strow said he wants to use his economic knowledge to help the city be more responsible with its money.

Strow, Clark and Southworth are running against three incumbents – Alan Palmer, Dan Hall and Joe Denning – and Bowling Green residents Johnetta Pryor, DeLane Simpson, Brian “Slim” Nash and Mark Alcott.

The top eight in the May primary will advance to the November general election. The top four in the November election will take the seats.

Commissioner Jim Bullington isn’t running again.

Saundra Ardrey, head of the political science department, said having two students run for local office fits in with Western’s quality enhancement plan. The program encourages civic engagement.

“It demonstrates that the students are involved in their local community,” she said.

Reach Joshua Coffman at [email protected].