Constable, Precinct 1: John J. Nozar Jr.

Name: John J. Nozar Jr.

Age: 48

Hometown: Yuma, Ariz., since 1983. Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin (military brat)

Office running for: Re-election for Constable Precinct 1

Political experience: Selected for Constable by Yuma County Board of Supervisors in 2005 and Ran for Election in 2006.

Family: I have been married since 1984 to my wonderful wife Jenny and we have one child, John J. Nozar III. My parents, John and Mickey Nozar, also reside in Yuma.

Party: Republican

Please describe your platform

My platform is to inform the general public, that although the Constable's Office is a relatively unknown office, it is one of a law enforcement or executive arm of the local government's judicial system. Experience and knowledge in this position is vital for safety, success and credibility.

If elected, what is your first priority?

My priority is what it has always been for over the past five years; to provide the best service possible and to maintain the high level of integrity, knowledge and experience the office currently holds for the citizens of Yuma. The office has grown over the years to be a credible, very integral part of the judicial system and the citizens of Yuma deserve the best person for the job. It is also essential to maximize efforts with limited resources.

Who do you think is your biggest challenger and why?

I am running in this election with opposition from the Democratic Party. I know very little about the opposition.

What do you think sets you apart from your opponent(s)?

A constable faces adversity and danger daily. I have well over a thousand hours of training as it pertains to my position as constable and as a currently certified peace officer. My 25 years of local law enforcement has afforded me a unique opportunity to provide the citizens of Yuma the quality service they deserve, in whatever capacity the Constable's Office engages in. I have dedicated my entire adult life to public service within our community and have shown my willingness to sacrifice myself for the safety of others in order to execute a mission or task. I have a great working relationship with the various local law enforcement agencies as I have worked with them closely for the past 25 years. As we do cross paths during the course of any given day, it is vital to understand how we all work.

What would you do to achieve more transparency in government, and should government officials be in charge of managing those efforts?

I think the citizens should hold all government employees accountable for their actions. This includes all elected positions as well. I feel Yuma's governing bodies (city and county) do a good job with respect to transparency, I would never consider relinquishing control of watching over local government in its entirety to the government itself. Public involvement is a must, and it must continue for our system to work. It is the people's responsibility to oversee their government, as the government is a representation of the people. It is not a perfect system, but it is the best we have and the best in the world.

Public notices are regarded as one important way for the public to find out what is really happening in government. Newspapers currently not only print public notices but also operate a free, consolidated, online, searchable database. Some people advocate that public notices should be available only on government websites. Do you agree that the Legislature should change the current law to mandate that public notices be available only on government websites?

No. I would not advocate a government-run website as a clearing house for governmental information. I want the ability to view what is out there, free of bias and slants from the government. I want less government and more citizen involvement.

What do you think is the biggest challenge right now facing Yumans, and Arizonans?

The biggest challenge for everyone at this time is to get everyone back to work and rebuild our lives, cities and counties. It is clearly more complicated than that, but a healthy economy is one that works and generates revenue.

What would you do, if elected, to help change that?

My position in government is not a political one. With limited decision/policy making ability, my strength is to work with what I am given and make it work as well as possible for everyone in Yuma. It is also one of my strong points to improve a process without cost, to more effectively carry out daily duties. I am vocal regarding process improvement and will continue to be so.

What is one of your strength? Weaknesses (something you'd like to improve upon)?

I tend to never point out any weakness I may have as there are plenty of people only too happy to do it for me.

What is one thing that you want voters to know?

I want every voter to know that I have been a committed, dedicated law enforcement professional working for them for over 25 years in Yuma. I feel the training and expertise I have been afforded over the years at the tax-payers expense, needs to continue to be put into use, right here, where it was provided… YUMA. Being a constable is not just a job, nor is it just a position. Rather, it is a way of life. Being in this business is dangerous work. Yuma deserves a qualified person to serve them properly. I have brought professionalism to my office as my deputy constable is also a certified Arizona peace officer. This creates a very self-sufficient, self-reliant team, capable of handling most any situation that may arise with confidence and competence.