BUCYRUS — Galion resident Amber Wertman will vie for one of two positions for Crawford County Commissioner in the primary election March 17.

She will face off on the Republican primary ticket against fellow newcomers Michael Schiefer, Larry Schmidt and Terry Gribble.

Born and raised in Crawford County, Wertman is a 2000 graduate of Buckeye Central High School and credits her achievements to having an amazing support system growing up in Crawford County.

“My parents, grandparents and extended family taught me the value of hard work and being of good character,” Wertman said. “My father was a teacher and my mother is a registered nurse, which taught me the importance of service to others.”

She remembers visiting the Crawford County Courthouse in the late 1980s to visit her grandfather, Charles Crall, who served as a Crawford County Commissioner. These memories grew Wertman’s love for the Crawford County community.

Wertman, wife of Tim and mom to Logan, currently is the executive director of United Way of North Central Ohio, serving Crawford, Marion and Wyandot counties.

“Working for United Way allows me to do what I love, helping the community through collaboration and partnerships,” Wertman said.

She has nearly 20 years of experience working in the public and private non-profit sector.

“I am skilled in allocations, budgeting, fundraising, grant writing and team building and currently manage a $2 million annual budget and oversee multiple employees,” Wertman said.

Prior to United Way, she began her career with the Area Agency on Aging, whose mission focuses on programs for older Americans, something she is very passionate about.

“In 2011, I was appointed the first executive director of the Galion Historical Society, where I have learned about our rich, local history,” Wertman said.

In 2014, she was named emerging leader of the year by the Crawford County Partnership and participated in the CULead class and served on the quality of life team.

Wertman said that in 2017, she earned a Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting and Facilitation, which helps her to continue facilitating open discussions that lead to creating a better community for all residents.

Wertman said she will facilitate better communication between the commissioner’s office and residents throughout the county.

“A community’s greatest resource is its people. I will work to ensure all people from Crawford County have a chance be heard. To do this, we must use various forms of communication. This would include attending as many meetings and community events as possible throughout the county. There is no substitute for one-on-one meetings with our residents,” Wertman said. “I would also be accessible via regular meeting hours, e-mails, social media and telephone. Additionally, I would share regular updates, success stories and goals that are going on within the county.”

She said if elected, she will go above and beyond for the citizens of Crawford County.

“I want Crawford County to be a place that our children and grandchildren want to live, work and play. As the next generation of leadership, I want to draw my young professional peers back to our communities because we have so much to offer,” Wertman said. “I cannot wait another twenty-five years to address the emerging priorities and challenges our County faces. I want to act now for our future. I have the most relevant experience and I am confident I can do the best job for Crawford County.”

Wertman is running for the position of commissioner currently occupied by Mo Ressallat, who is not running for re-election. Jeff Price is running against incumbent Doug Weisenaurer for the other position up for election.

Early voting is underway now at the Crawford County Board of Elections in the lower level of the county courthouse in Bucyrus.