Mazur formally announces Council run

Independent election news

Jerry Mazur has formally announced his candidacy for the Third Ward City Council seat.

Area residents may recognize Mazur’s name as being associated with the 2003, 2004 and 2005 world-class air shows that filled the skies over Van Wert following the fair each year. More recently, he organized the 2012 Hot Air Festival and is currently working on the 2013 festival, to be held September 6-8.

Prior to moving to Van Wert, Mazur was employed by Otis Elevator Company, a subsidiary of The United Technologies Corporation (UTX). Otis is the largest supplier of vertical transportation equipment in the world. While with Otis, he gained valuable national and international business experience and held several positions within the company, each with increased responsibilities in both the United States and abroad.

Mazur’s last assignment with Otis was that of new equipment program manager in New York City. In that position, he was charged with setting sales levels, producing labor estimates, budget planning, cost containment, field employee productivity, and bottom line profits.  At that time Otis’ share of the New York City market was $130 million.

Throughout his career he was directly involved with labor contract negotiations with the building trades associated with that industry.

Mazur is a serious supporter of volunteerism and has been so for many years, he served as chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and constable of the Township of Tabernacle, N.J.  He has been a member of the Kiwanis Clubs of Van Wert, Fort Myers, Fla., and the Grand Cayman Islands.  He is currently an officer of Elks Lodge 1197 in Van Wert.

He said he feels he is rewarded for his service in these organizations by knowing that people can make a difference to the children of the world, one child at a time. Recently, he became a member of the Wassenberg Art Center Board of Directors, assisting in whatever way possible to ensure a smooth transition into the new center in the armory building.

Armed with his experiences, Mazur said he feels the timing is right to get involved in city government. He is deeply concerned about rising costs that are beyond everyone’s control, such as fuel costs and grocery prices; however, Mazur believes there are opportunities to slow the growth of the city budget by setting cost and spending objectives.

Mazur added that he will be “dogmatic” in seeking out opportunities for efficiency gains, spending reductions, encouraging the use of volunteers, using part-timers rather than adding full-time employees and headcount reductions through attrition.

According to Mazur, Van Wert must operate like a well managed business and must provide the highest level of service at the lowest possible cost. That requires officials and department heads to continuously improve performance in their areas of responsibility by setting objectives that manage labor cost and reduce spending.

Mazur proposes the city contract with the Auditor of State’s office to provide resources for a performance audit. Such audits in similar cities have proven to reduce spending, provided consolidation suggestions and set benchmarks for elected officials and department heads.  State performance audits are paid for through cost recommended savings, thereby costing the taxpayers nothing.

Mazur said “getting elected is an uphill battle but promises, if successful, he will get the job done to the voter’s satisfaction”.

His spouse of 42 years, Sonia, is a Registered Nurse and also does volunteer work, serving currently as president of the Twigs IV group serving the interest of the Van Wert County Hospital, and treasurer of the Peony Festival Committee. She is an active member of the Red Hat Society and loves every minute of it.

He encourages everyone to get registered and get to the polls. Third Ward residents that need a ride to the polls on Election Day should give him a call at 419.203.4100 and he will make transportation arrangements.

“Thank you in advance for your vote on May 7,” Mazur said in conclusion.