Yuma constable seeking seat again

John Nozar has announced he is seeking re-election for Yuma County Precinct 1 constable, a position he has held for the past five years.

Nozar has lived in Yuma since 1983, after having served in the U.S. Marine Corps. After briefly working as detention officer for the Yuma County Sheriff's Office, he was hired by the Yuma Police Department, where he remained until he retired in August 2004.

In August 2004, Nozar was hired by the county's Department of Development Services as a senior deputy zoning inspector. In March 2005, he applied for the position of constable and was chosen among the 15 candidates by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors due to having the most law enforcement experience.

Nozar, who is running unopposed in the primary election, took office in May 2005 and was elected to the position for the first time in November 2006. He is now seeking re-election.

He said he does not see the job of constable as a political job, and hopes with his background in law enforcement that voters believe he is the best candidate for the position.

“I feel like I'm the right person for the job. This is a position that fits me and my personality perfectly.”

Under Nozar, the Office of Constable for Yuma County Precinct 1 has become a recognized law enforcement agency in the state. He and his deputy constable are certified peace officers in good standing.

Nozar's accomplishments since taking office include the use of digital photography for evidence gathering, developing a good working relationship with the Justice Courts, sharing information with other state agencies and law enforcement, and the use of a new database for tracking and reporting cases.

“All these were done at little to no cost to the county,” Nozar said. “I believe in maximizing existing resources and thinking on my own on behalf of those who elected me to this office.”

Nozar said his passion for the job is motivating him, and he's seeking re-election to further the improvements he has already brought to his precinct.

“I have grown this office to reflect the best there is in the Constable's Office. The words pride, integrity, honesty and forward thinking are not just buzz words, they are my way of life serving the residents of Yuma.”

In an effort to generate more revenue for the county, Nozar's office has been working with the county court system's Judicial Assistance Unit (JAU) to help collect fines owed to the court.

His office began working with JAU in May 2009 and so far has served 856 notices from the Yuma Justice Court, which has resulted in the collection of more than $17,000 in fines.

Nozar said he knows the community well and plans to continue serving the residents with prompt and courteous service as constable in Yuma County Precinct 1.

He has been married to his wife Jenny since 1984 and has one son. His parents also both settled in Yuma after retiring in 2000.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.