BUCYRUS — Local business owner Larry Schmidt is running for a position as Crawford County Commissioner.
The seat currently is occupied by Mo Ressallat.
Born and raised in Bucyrus, Schmidt has lived and worked in Crawford County his entire life and is a 1973 graduate of Colonel Crawford High School. He and his wife Cheryl lived in Galion for a number of years before moving back to Bucyrus 15 years ago.
“I have 42 years of business management in both Galion and Bucyrus,” Schmidt said. “The last 29 years I’ve owned and managed our 68-year-old family business (NAPA) Fisher Auto Parts Company in downtown Bucyrus.”
He said as a business owner, he recognizes the positive impact of agriculture on the local economies.
“I believe sustainable growth can be achieved through economic development, a ready workforce and affordable housing so that we will have net contributors to our economy,” Schmidt said. “I would approach every decision with care and respect for those who will be affected by them, understanding that not all decisions will be popular. I will do what is right for the entire county.”
Schmidt said he will work with the cities, villages and townships of the county to achieve mutual goals.
“It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit. Even a semi-annual group meeting with mayors, township trustees, county engineer and our economic development partners as well, could yield some positive results,” he said. “I’m optimistic about the future of the county and would like to play a role in making it a better place for my children and their children.”
Schmidt is on the Republican ballot in the March 17 primary election and is running against Amber Wertman, Terry Gribble and Mike Schiefer for the county commissioner position.
Early voting began Feb. 19 at the Crawford County Board of Elections is the lower level of the courthouse in Bucyrus.