Tony Zartman plans to run for another term as Paulding County Commissioner. “It’s been a passion and privilege to serve the people of Paulding County. My sole purpose in life is serving God, and I feel the best way to continue to glorify his name is by continuing to serve the great people of Paulding County.”
Zartman has served 12 years as Commissioner. Prior to becoming a County Commissioner, he farmed for 20 years and has managed a construction company now for over 25 years. While in office, he has worked on key projects improving quality of life, and he hopes to continue that good work.
Some of the most recent projects include the creation of the Paulding County Landbank, which originated from a state grant, but now relies on local dollars to continue. The program obtains deeds to blighted properties and then demolishes and revitalizes the site for resale. So far, in the last two years, 23 properties have been revamped in Paulding County.
Commissioner Zartman has been an advocate for the Paulding County Vision Board, which is made up of representatives throughout the county. It’s formed by dedicated and concerned citizens on a mission to collaborate, strategically plan, and secure funding to create an even better Paulding County community. So far, over 12 projects have been identified to improve quality of life assets in the county. “I believe this is the first time a movement like this has happened in Paulding County, and I’m very honored to get to work with such a diverse team to make noticeable differences,” added Zartman.
Another targeted quality of life project was the development of the new EMA Training Center, along Fairground Drive in Paulding. Phase 1 for this first responder training center has been completed through a state grant. This center is on its way to becoming one of the best comprehensive training centers in the region, if not the state, according to Zartman.
As far as goals for the near future, Zartman wants to improve response time of first responders by starting the conversation and assisting in formulating a plan. Another key issue is employee retention. “Right now, neighboring counties pay much higher wages than Paulding County. While we have a very loyal team, eventually economics overrun dedication. We need to devise a plan to retain the great leaders we already have in place.”
Zartman has also been a persistent voice in support of making Paulding County wind-friendly. The revenue generated back to the County from the wind companies has allowed for new services and expansion of existing services across all demographics in the County.
Zartman also serves on several boards and committees. He is a member of the Maumee Valley Planning Organization, a regional planning and development organization that brings together leaders from Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding and Williams Counties to address issues that affect all of Northwest Ohio. He is the Chairman of the Bicentennial Committee, where he has arranged for Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to make a special appearance on February 12th at 6pm at Branch Church in Paulding. He has been appointed by all other Commissioners in the State of Ohio to CORSA (Counties of Ohio Risk Sharing Authority). The knowledge learned from being on this board has helped keep the county’s insurance premiums at a lower rate, with no increase for the past 10 years.
“My priorities for the next four years will continue to help lead quality of life initiatives. Three of my four kids have moved away. You better believe my wife and I wish they lived closer to us. I think there are many others in our age group who feel the same way. We must figure out a way to retain our youth. As Commissioner, I’m working with other strong leaders to tackle this issue. Clearly, our work isn’t done. We can’t take our foot off the gas pedal just yet,” stated Commissioner Zartman.
For more information, or if you would like to get involved in efforts mentioned above, please contact Commissioner Tony Zartman at tony.zartman@gmail.com.
