Avon Council President Dan Zegarac Announces Run For Mayor

A third Avon councilman has thrown his hat into the Avon mayor's race.

Avon City Council President Dan Zegarac, 57, has announced his intentions to run for mayor in the 2013 November General Election. Zegarac is serving his second at-large council term.

Zegarac’s announcement follows an April 23 one by Bryan Jensen and the April 25 announcement by Ward 3 Councilman Kevin Ward that they are also seeking to fill the seat currently held by Jim Smith, who said he will not seek re-election.

"I've had the pleasure of living in an emerging community that has been a special to many,” Zegarac said. “I grew up here, raised my family here and have enjoyed the many amenities of our home town of Avon.”

Zegarac, who has lived in Avon more than 50 years, has served as chairman of the Service and Economic Development Committees as well as serving on the Park's and Recreation Commission and Legal Committee.

Zegarac said there “is still much to accomplish in Avon."

“We have recently completed phase one of a geographical information survey that will hopefully help out with flooding issues, we have many capital improvement projects that have been brought forward and are being addressed; projects that will make Avon a better community moving forward," he said. "We will continue to have many opportunities to help businesses locate or expand in Avon. Our location and resources are very attractive to many. Their tax dollars are important to both the city and schools.”

He said being fiscally responsible “goes without saying.”

"Four years ago I promised Avon resident's that I'd make decisions based on what I believe is best for the citizen's and businesses right here in our town,” Zegarac said. “That hasn't changed. My familiarity with Avon and the region will be beneficial as Avon's next mayor. I believe in doing the best we can for Avon, it's resident's and businesses as they deserve the most for their tax dollars.

"I enjoy working for the residents' and businesses in Avon and wish to do it in a full-time capacity as mayor where I can use my everyday leadership and business experience," he said.

He has been employed by the Ganley Auto Group as a sales/business manager at the Cleveland and Aurora locations for nearly eight years.

"I started in the auto business in high school at $1.65 per hour and became general manager of that particular company,” Zegarac said. “It's exciting when you're trusted by an entrepreneur to help manage a $30+ million per year location."

Zegarac, who grew up in Avon, attended Avon Schools and Kent State University. He is a member of St. Mary's Church, Knight's of Columbus 3269, Avon VFW Post 7035 social member, Avon High School Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee and Avon Blended Class Reunion Committee.

He is also actively involved in Chevrolet Youth Soccer and Chevrolet Youth Baseball with the Ganley Auto Group.

Zegarac is the father of five: Dan, 31; Joe, 28; Bob, 25; Paul, 22; and Katie 19.