Tom Gerber
Office Sought: Mayor of New Philadelphia
Age: 67
Family: Married to my wife Sophia for 41 years. We have two grown children, both who are New Philadelphia High graduates: Tom and his wife Missy, who reside in Worthington; Lori and her husband Tom (Fantin) and their son, Austin, who reside in New Philadelphia. We are expecting two more grandchildren in the near future.
Education:
Master of Business Administration – Walsh University, North Canton
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Walsh University, North Canton
Associate of Applied Business, Computer Technology – Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus, New Philadelphia
Hometown: Hubbard, Ohio, but we have lived in New Philadelphia for the last 35 years.
Occupation: Small business owner contracting to AAA Tuscarawas County to administer and instruct AAA Driver Safety Programs.
Political party affiliation: Republican
Previous elected offices: None
Applicable experience:
1). Account Representative, MetLife Insurance Company – Guided clients toward reaching their financial goals.
2). State Trooper, Ohio State Highway Patrol – Enforcing the traffic laws of the State of Ohio. Achieved the ranks of Trooper, Sergeant, and Lieutenant; retired after 21 years of service.
3). U.S. Army Veteran, serving in the 249th Construction Engineers in France and various bases in Europe.
What is the primary reason you are running for this office? Why should someone vote for you?
New Philadelphia is the largest city in Tuscarawas County with a population of approximately 17,000 citizens. The untapped potential for growth is endless. I will work aggressively to build our city, so it will become the model for surrounding cities to follow. We will invite travelers to our city to eat in our restaurants, shop at our stores, establish their businesses, live in our community, and educate their children in our schools. We have an opportunity to successfully accomplish this with the thousands of travelers on the Interstate Highways, U.S Highways, and State Routes that pass through our city.
What is the biggest problem(s) facing your community? How do you propose to solve it (them)?
Growth is the biggest problem facing our community! I have a positive vision for our future. According to the 2010 (ODOT) Tuscarawas County Annual Daily Traffic Count, there are approximately 58,300 vehicles that travel daily on I-77 and US 250 in our area. Annually, that total would be approximately 21,279,500 vehicles. I believe that amount of traffic has unlimited possibilities. We need to make our interchanges attractive enough where quality businesses will build in our area. I want at least 10% of that traffic to exit into our community. That would be approximately 2.1 million vehicles visiting our community each year. The occupants would have the opportunity to visit our stores and buy our products.
Limited only to the office you are seeking, where specifically would you cut budgets if needed?
The 3% raise recently enacted and accepted by our current mayor will have an effect on our current budget and budgets to come. I will not accept this raise, especially during these uncertain economic times. Revenues are too uncertain locally and throughout the state. Additionally, after becoming mayor, I will analyze the fiscal budget for frivolous expenses.
Why are you running for public office? Why do you think you can make a difference in your community?
New Philadelphia is going to need strong leadership now and in the future. State budgets are being cut, and cities cannot rely on previous funding. As mayor, Ill use my extensive real-world experience to make common sense decisions that strengthen New Philadelphia. I look forward to working with other officials and citizens to boost our business economy, create jobs and build a terrific future for our children.
How can cities and towns work together to improve the entire area rather than just do whats best for them?
In a recent article printed in the AAA Home & Away magazine, Columbus, September/October 2011, writer Rich Warren (hometown New Philadelphia) describes Traveling Tuscarawas. Warren states, I grew up in Tuscarawas County, but I didnt realize until Id moved away that my home was something special - a land of rolling hills with a wide winding river valley cutting through it, polka-dotted with lakes and smaller streams. As a child, I thought every other Ohio County had as much history packed into one place, as many charming features reminiscent of perfectly preserved 19th-century towns. Now that Im an adult, I love to take friends back to show off my homeland on a tour Ive honed over the years.
As mayor, I want Mr. Warren, as well as all visitors to Tuscarawas County, to see our beautiful river and our communities as a travel destination, as opposed to a thoroughfare. I would like to work with the leaders of the surrounding communities to beautify our area and revitalize our downtowns and interstate exits. We can hardly see the river anymore with its overgrown foliage and unfortunate dumping ground. I want travelers to view our river as soon as they Exit IS77 Northbound to New Philadelphia, and see our river plainly. Id like to make a walking park along the river at the same location, so I can take my grandchildren fishing. These improvements would not only be aesthetically pleasing, but will also help improve our local business economy.
