It's official; Jeff Bertram to run for mayor

Feb. 3—NORWALK — Jeffery Bertram is the 2023 Republican candidate for mayor of the city of Norwalk.

A great-nephew of famed former Norwalk Mayor Harold Finch, Bertram's background, education and experience include growing up in Norwalk, attending St. Paul's elementary school, Norwalk Jr. and Sr. High Schools where he graduated in 1978. He later earned a bachelor's degree in management from Walsh University and graduated from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, class 2017-41.

Bertram is a retired warden's assistant from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC). Additionally, he is a decorated/retired U.S. Army military police first sergeant and combat veteran of the war in Afghanistan, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal.

He is married to lifetime Norwalk resident Dana (Neel) Bertram.

Jeff is a:

—Member of The Chapel, Norwalk Campus

—Member of American Legion Post 527 Member of VFW Post 2743 Member of Huron County Area Veteran's Council

—Chairman of the Huron County Republican Party Central Committee.

—Treasurer of Safety Service Fundraising, a 501(3) (c) that provides for the needs of foster kids in our community.

Like everyone living and working in Norwalk, Jeff wants the ability to thrive in a clean, safe, and secure city.

Bertram, as a mayoral candidate, seeks:

—To tighten the relationship between Norwalk City Schools and the administration expansion and growth of the city's small business network, while working to secure state funding for infrastructure at a site that would entice new business in the city.

—Improved enforcement of zoning ordinances to clean up, beautify and ensure the safety of the city's neighborhoods.

—Improved relations between administration, police and fire departments.

—Explore ways to modernize the tax structure.

—Provide strong, effective, and efficient city services that are highly responsive to the needs of residents and employers.

Bertram said his Christian faith, military and state prison leadership, excellent communication skills, and enforcement of laws, ordinances, and regulations, will bring the city a leader with the ability to accomplish any goal under a banner of conservative fiscal accountability.