Farmer seeks at-large City Council seat

VW independent/submitted information

Mayor Don Farmer has filed his petitions to seek the Republican nomination for one of three at-large Van Wert City Council seats in the May 5 primary election.

Farmer first served as mayor from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2007. He was again elected mayor in 2011, and took office January 1, 2012. His term expires on December 31.

Farmer previously served terms as First Ward, Second Ward and at-large representative on City Council and has served as the chairman of the Finance, Judiciary and Annexation, and Streets and Alleys committees during his past council terms.

He currently services on the boards of the Community Improvement Corporation, Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Main Street Van Wert, The Salvation Army, Van Wert City Revolving Loan Fund, Van Wert City Economic Executive Board, Van Wert Civil Service Administration, Van Wert City Planning Commission, and Community Health Professionals. He and his wife are members of First United Methodist Church.

Farmer was a marketing manager for the Bell System in Los Angeles, California, before returning to Van Wert in 1975. He also owned and operated The Paint Bucket, and Mac’s Delicatessen. He previously worked for Central Mutual Insurance Company as a personal lines underwriter in the company’s Los Angeles office.

“During the last four years we have seen a major turnaround in our local economy,” Farmer said. “The unemployment has dropped from 15 percent to 4.6 percent.  At the same time we have seen local manufacturers and business in a growth mode.

“After serving as mayor, I am seeking the Republican nomination for Council at-large and look forward in working with the new administration, Council, all the great organizations, and volunteers for the future growth of Van Wert.”

A graduate of Fresno High School in Fresno, California, Farmer attended Los Angeles City College, and Los Angeles State College, where he earned a degree in business administration.

Farmer is married to Nancy (Raabe) Farmer and they have four children, sons Robert “Skip”, Everett “Ev”, and Scott “Clint”, and daughter Donna. Their children have given them 11 grandchildren (nine boys and two girls).