Jim Sass, left, is sworn in by Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider as the city’s Interim Safety Service Director at the Port Clinton Fire Department on Nov. 4 as Sass’ wife, Molly Sass, holds a Bible for him. (Submitted photo)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – Former Ottawa County Commissioner Jim Sass was sworn in as Interim Safety Service Director by Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider on Nov. 4. Sass will serve as the interim director while longtime Safety Service Director Tracy Colston addresses health issues.

“We’re very fortunate to have Jim,” Snider said.

Snider said he looked for someone who was familiar with government administration and the city. The only obstacle he faced in hiring Sass is a residency rule that mandates that Port Clinton’s safety service director must live in the city or move into the city limits within six months of accepting the position. Sass lives outside the city’s borders. Because Sass will only serve temporarily, Port Clinton City Council took action to allow Sass to serve without meeting the residency mandate.

Snider said Sass will have all the duties and responsibilities that come with the safety service director position. He will help manage seven department supervisors and will oversee the city’s infrastructure project, the move of city hall to downtown Port Clinton, and sewer treatment plant operations.

Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider, right, chose former Ottawa County Commissioner Jim Sass to serve as the city’s Interim Safety Service Director. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Sass comes to the position with government and leadership experience. He grew up watching his grandfather and father serve as Portage Township trustees, and he served as a Portage Township trustee for six years before being elected as an Ottawa County commissioner. He served as commissioner for 12 years.

“I like to serve people and work with people to make a community better,” Sass said.

Sass’ leadership skills will be invaluable in the position.

“I’ve always been impressed with Jim’s ability to work with people. He collaborates in different situations and treats people the same,” Snider said.

Fairness and consistency define Sass’ leadership style.

“I try to be consistent and do what’s best for people. That’s my pledge and my promise,” he said.

For now, Snider is helping Sass become familiar with the city’s current needs and projects. Snider said the city has “great supervisors committed to helping.”

“There’s no need to micromanage,” Sass said. “The people in the supervisors’ roles are there because they earned it. I’m going to learn from them.”