Connie Ward, Berlin Heights' new mayor, eager to serve village

BERLIN HEIGHTS — A longtime village resident and experienced councilwoman is ready to serve in Berlin Heights' most powerful political position.Running unopposed in last week's election, Connie Ward won the one-person race, receiving a four-year term as the new village mayor. Her term begins in January.She'll succeed CJ Kamm, who didn't run for re-election. Kamm, however, continues his political career in a different field, clinching a decisive victory in the Erie County Municipal Court race against Jeff Whitacre. Kamm, whose six-year term also starts in January, locked up about 64 percent of the total vote, according to unofficial results.Ward summarized her career background, some reasons why she wants to serve as mayor and a few pressing issues requiring attention:Q: Can you share a little bit about your background in the personal, professional and political realms?CW: I am an Ohio State graduate and started working for the Ohio Farm Bureau in 1999 as an organization director. In 2005, I was appointed (Erie County) auditor and stayed through 2006. I decided not to seek election for that position and returned to the farm bureau as a regional supervisor, just as I was completing my master of business administration. I have been on the village council since 2009 and have been council president two times over those years as well as serving on the finance committee and levy committees, amongst others.Q: Why do you want to serve as Berlin Heights' mayor?CW: When CJ Kamm, our current mayor, announced his candidacy for judge, it became apparent we would need someone new to take his position. After discussing it with fellow council members, my family and friends, I decided that I would run. Berlin Heights is very close to my heart and is a delightful place to live. I have been involved in the community my entire life and thought that this would be a good opportunity to give back to a place that is wonderful to call home.Q: Upon taking office in January, what are some issues you'd like to focus on and address?CW: The three issues that I would like to address all build on current successes: continue to work on road improvements through utilizing grants, addressing drainage concerns in the village and trying to acquire newer machinery to assist our street department in keeping the village looking great.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Ward, Connie