Mengerink files petitions for city mayor

VW independent/submitted information

Van Wert City Council President Ken Mengerink has also filed petitions seeking the Republican nomination for mayor of Van Wert.

Mengerink noted his desire to foster economic development and work with City Council, the Community Improvement Corporation, Business Development Corporation, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Ohio State University Economic Development Advisory Group and Van Wert City Economic Development office “in a total collaborative effort to secure and maintain jobs for our citizens.”

Mengerink stated that, as Council president, he has had the opportunity to work with many of those organizations and has been involved with economic development and the Jobs Ready Site (megasite) located north of the city.

“It is my personal opinion that the combined efforts of these groups and individuals in the future is the correct avenue for Van Wert to move forward,” Mengerink said, adding that encouraging a positive attitude and working together for the community is his No. 1 goal, one which he feels will benefit the city and its residents.

The mayoral candidate said he feels maintaining a close relationship with existing businesses and industries is important to grow and keep jobs in the city, while, at the same time, actively marketing Van Wert through the city economic development office, Governor John Kasich’s Growth Partnership program, the Ohio Department of Development and Ohio State Extension.

“Working in a joint effort with these groups and our local organizations will enhance our community’s potential success,” he added. “We are no longer an island by ourselves, but part of a region, that being northwestern Ohio.”

Mengerink also talked about his extensive experience in city government and as a former school board member. He noted that, as a former Council Finance Committee chair, he has an understanding of the city’s finances, the budget process and implementation.

“It is a priority that we maintain a sound and quality fire and police department,” Mengerink said. “(While) at the same time, maintain and improve the services of our street department, parks department and continue the services that our citizens have come to expect.”

Mengerink is a lifelong resident of Van Wert, the youngest of 14 siblings. A graduate of Van Wert High School, he has been married for 43 years to the former Karen Muntzinger. The couple has two grown children and two grandchildren, with a third on the way.

He served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve and 37 years in the Information Technology Department of Central Insurance Companies.

Prior to becoming Council president, he served 20 years as a member of the Van Wert City Board of Education, including 14 years as board president. He also served 14 years on the Vantage Board of Education, as well as eight years as president of that board.

Prior to that, he served eight years as an at-large city councilman and Finance Committee chair.

Mengerink is also a member of the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation Board of Directors, a board member and president of the local Campfire Girls organization and served on the City Zoning Board of Appeals.

He is a member of First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert, American Legion Post 178, is a volunteer for the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, a member of the Van Wert Revolving Loan Fund Committee and president of the Van Wert County Council on Aging Board of Directors.