Dear Citizens of Bucyrus:
On the eve of this primary election, which seems as of now to be to run uncontested in the November general election, I think back over the past several years. As you are well aware, Bucyrus has had some significant challenges and has not been without much political discourse. Say what you may, but this is true democracy at work. Exchanging ideas, debating the best way to achieve a common goal, challenging preconceived notions… this all leads to growth and the assurance that the proper time, thought and effort have been put into any given issue.
This community and this City have always been near and dear to my heart. After graduating from law school, I returned and began immediately practicing law with my father Terry Gernert and my brother-in-law Russ Long. The lessons one learns from practicing law in a small community are invaluable. When you boil it down, it is simply this: analyzing a particular situation, applying the applicable law to the scenario, and then using the available legal avenues to maximize outcomes for clients. I have striven each and every day to put the time, research, preparation and compassion necessary into doing the best job I can for all my clients.
I have also devoted myself to giving back to the community which has given me so much. Since beginning my law career, I have served on the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities. I have also been a guardian for approximately fifteen individuals, assisting them with applying for various benefits, paying their bills, finding adequate housing, and even taking trips with them to the doctor, dentist, counseling agencies, or the grocery store. I have served on the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce, was treasurer for the Crawford County Children Service’s Levy, assisted in awarding small business recovery funds from the federal ARPA monies, am a member of the Holy Trinity Finance Council, coached youth basketball, am an active member of Rotary (assisting in such events as the various parades, MESA Bike Ride, Auctionfest and Pancake Day), the Crawford County Law Library Board, the Crawford County Bar Association, and the Bucyrus Knights of Columbus Council #711. I have been blessed by God with many talents and abilities and feel it is my duty to use those gifts to help others.
Finally, I believe I have devoted my time, effort and skills to represent the best interest of Bucyrus and the community to the fullest of my ability, trying to make Bucyrus a better place to live and work. In the prosecution of criminal matters, albeit traffic offenses, tax cases, or property maintenance complaints, I work through the legal system to give people a path to compliance and rehabilitation while also achieving the City’s goals of payment, compliance, and retribution. My office has also worked diligently with victim’s to ensure they are adequately protected and heard during all stages of any given proceeding.
I have represented the City’s legal interests as a whole in assisting in settling the Water Treatment Plant litigation to the benefit of the City; resolving a case pertaining to the Board of Zoning Appeals; obtained dismissals of two cases filed against the Bucyrus Police Department; settled one case against Bucyrus and the City Council and had another one dismissed; and am confident the only remaining active case will be dismissed in the near future.
I have assisted in union negotiations and stood up for what I know the law requires, even when this stance is not popular. It is often a difficult task for lawyers to inform clients their position is adverse to the law and the potential ramifications of a given action, especially when this action seemingly has strong public support.
As Law Director, I have played a vital role in the passage of numerous important pieces of legislation, including but not limited to the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, multiple pieces pertaining to zoning which allowed growth and development, amending requirements for auxiliary police officers to boost their numbers, tax levy issues for both the City and Library to ensure adequate funding, union contracts, and investments in our City’s infrastructure.
I thank you all for your support and prayers, especially throughout the past couple years.
“Lord, stand beside me… so that today I shall not, in order to win a point, lose my soul.” St. Thomas More.
Sincerely,
Brian N. Gernert
(I never cared for Virginia anyways… they voted for Biden)