Former Ocala administrator files to run for mayor

July 10--A former top administrator with the city of Ocala has filed to run for mayor.

Catherine G. Zimmer was with the city from 2007 to 2015 in various supervisory roles.

Zimmer graduated magna cum laude from Saint Leo University with bachelor of arts degree in criminology. She has held professional insurance industry licenses and holds a residential real estate license but is not currently active.

"I retired from the city of Ocala in 2015, after serving multiple years in many different capacities. I have served the city of Ocala as Assistant City Manager of Public Services, Chief of Staff, Risk Management Director and Benefits Manager," Zimmer wrote in an email response.

"I have over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry and was also a local business owner. During my service with the city of Ocala, I managed multi-million dollar government budgets, contracts and construction projects," she wrote.

The general election will be held Sept. 19. Voter registration closes at 5 p.m. Aug. 21. The mayor serves a two-year term. The pay is $550 per month.

Current Mayor Kent Guinn is seeking a fourth term in office.

"The decision to run for mayor comes from a desire to serve and to give a voice to those of us who have sat ideally quiet for far too long. For those of us who believe we can do better," Zimmer wrote.

"The traditional politics of Ocala will not lead us into the change it needs. Many people have come to believe that our current political reality, where money and connections dictate who wins elections, who secures city contracts or who is given preferential treatment, is fixed and cannot be changed. We must challenge traditional politics," Zimmer wrote.

"We deserve a community where people come before politics. A community where all citizens are treated in a professional manner with integrity and respect. Where the safety needs of our citizens come before 'pet projects.' We need leaders who will build public bus and school bus shelters before building a 5.3-million-dollar, under-utilized parking garage. Leaders who will make well-marked crosswalks, sidewalks and bike lanes a priority before re-bricking downtown streets. As mayor, I will be the leader that makes the needs of our citizens a priority, the leader this city has been lacking," she said.

Zimmer said she has lived in Ocala for 29 years. She and her husband, Mike Zimmer, have four children and two grandchildren.

"Two of my children continue to call Ocala home. My daughter is a Marion County Public School teacher and my son is a first responder, fire fighter/paramedic in The Villages," she said.

She said she enjoys traveling and spending time with family members and friends.

She currently is involved with the Magnolia Art Xchange (MAX) advisory board, Greater Ocala Woman's Club and League of Women Voters. Past affiliations include organizations such as the Florida City and County Management Association, Florida League of Cities, Risk Management Society, Society for Human Resource Management, National Information Officers Association and Marion Technical Institute Academy of Law and Government Advisory Board.

During her tenure with the city, Zimmer said some of her projects and accomplishments included the curbside recycling program, Heritage Hills and State Road 40 flood mitigation project, flood mitigation upgrades to the drainage retention system citywide, downtown square renovation, the Citizens' Circle, 31st Street project, the FedEx project, Tuscawilla Park improvements, the Art Park, neighborhood park upgrades, tennis center renovations, the combined 911 communication project, implementation of the Employee Health Clinic, and implementation of moving from a fully insured health insurance plan to a self-insured plan.

Among her goals for the future, should she be elected, would be greater transparency.

"I have heard from countless taxpayers that the city is lacking transparency. We need to do more to improve public trust and connect with our citizens. I will work with city council to improve transparency by increasing efforts to inform the public of current city council agenda items and to increase opportunities for the public to provide feedback on those items before they are voted on," Zimmer wrote.

"The percentage of high school and college graduates in our community plays a direct role in attracting businesses with higher paying jobs. I will work to partner with our schools, libraries, community centers, businesses, county and state officials to provide the support and resources needed to increase the percentage of high school and college graduates in our community. I support a business-friendly environment and understand the value of public-private partnerships," she added.

According to the Ocala City Clerk's website, the duties of mayor include having charge and control of the police department.

"I will work hard to keep our community safe by continuing to recruit and retain good law enforcement officers as well as continuing efforts to provide our law enforcement agency with the resources and support they need. I will work hard to highlight the service, dedication and sacrifice of our police department," Zimmer stated.

She also said that she believes the number of pedestrian and bicyclists fatalities and accidents is on the rise, and she is "committed to putting people first by making our city streets pedestrian and cyclist friendly."

She said is concerned that "our most vulnerable and needy citizens are exposed to the heat and rain at our public bus stops. I have advocated and will continue to work for the installation of bus stop shelters at all public transportation and school bus stop locations."

Zimmer said she thinks "great communities are built with positive youth development. I am committed to increasing the recreational opportunities for our youth such as a skate park and FootGolf."

"Art and diversity in all forms is vital to a community's success. I will continue to support local art and events," she added.

In summing her desire to serve as mayor, Zimmer stated: "I will be the leader who listens, values opinions and chooses people over politics."

Contact Susan Smiley-Height at 867-4121 or susan.smiley-height@starbanner.com.

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