Columbia City police officer, business owner Gary Parrett announces bid for mayoral seat
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Gary Parrett, below, a Columbia City police officer and owner of Big G's Sports Cafe, has announced that he plans to run for Mayor of Columbia City.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Columbia City Police officer and business man Gary “Big G” Parrett recently announced his candidacy for Mayor of Columbia City.
Parrett has owned and operated Big G’s Sports Café in Columbia City for the last 6 years. He has also been a Columbia City Police officer for 8 years.
“I love the fact that I was born and raised in this great community and that is why I am excited about the potential of the community” said Parrett. "I am not looking at coming in and tearing apart everything that is in place already."
“As I see it, the mayor’s job is that of a manager by managing the city’s resources in an effective and efficient way to preserve the qualities that we have in this unique place; a real place that deserves a city leader who will protect the past and work with you to guide our future,” Parrett added.
Parrett says he's been in management or supervisory roles most of his adult life, citing his work ethic and dependability as key factors.
After joining the Columbia City Police Department in April 2001 as a reserve officer, he was appointed the reserve sergeant. In 2003, he was hired as a full time officer. In 2004, he graduated with honors 12th in his class out of 106 from the Indiana Police Academy.
Parrett opened Big G's Sports Cafe in 2005 and through that, has made an effort to give back to the community, supporting many youth sports activities.
"I may not have grown up in politics but I have been dedicated to this community," Parrett said. "I am determined to make this a great place for current and future business. I also understand that we are a tight knit community and we need to take care of our own. I will strive to answer any questions or concerns and make the right decisions that will benefit our community. I plan on having an open door policy." He adds that no appointment will be necessary if the people of Columbia City want to meet with him to discuss issues.
"I will welcome any and all questions, concerns, or comments," he said. "I will inform and educate the community on the projects that are going on and that will take place. I don’t hunt, fish, or golf, MY hobby is work. My business has never interfered with my first priority as a full time police officer and I will continue this philosophy while working as an active full time mayor for the City of Columbia City.”
Parrett says he's eager to focus on job creation in the city. "This will also boost our community in all other aspects of business. The housing market will increase along with all local businesses. We need to show investors that a small town is an excellent place to locate their business. I believe that this will come as we show them the benefits of our great city," said Parrett.
Spending is also a concern for Parrett, adding that he wants to take a closer look at expenses and find find ways to be more resourceful as a city government.
"There are many scenarios that I could give to eliminate useless spending; however, I believe that we need to spend money on certain things i.e. preventative maintenance, keeping our city looking beautiful in order to attract business," Parrett continued. "If we need it then let’s get it. If we don’t need it, then let’s don’t get it."
Parrett attended Columbia City Joint High School. He has three children and is engaged to Heather Meeks.
Parrett has created a Facebook page for his campaign called Gary "Big G" Parrett for Mayor.
Parrett is among three GOP candidates who will compete for the Republican ticket in May. He will then face a Democratic challenger in November.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Columbia City Police officer and business man Gary “Big G” Parrett recently announced his candidacy for Mayor of Columbia City.
Parrett has owned and operated Big G’s Sports Café in Columbia City for the last 6 years. He has also been a Columbia City Police officer for 8 years.
“I love the fact that I was born and raised in this great community and that is why I am excited about the potential of the community” said Parrett. "I am not looking at coming in and tearing apart everything that is in place already."
“As I see it, the mayor’s job is that of a manager by managing the city’s resources in an effective and efficient way to preserve the qualities that we have in this unique place; a real place that deserves a city leader who will protect the past and work with you to guide our future,” Parrett added.
Parrett says he's been in management or supervisory roles most of his adult life, citing his work ethic and dependability as key factors.
After joining the Columbia City Police Department in April 2001 as a reserve officer, he was appointed the reserve sergeant. In 2003, he was hired as a full time officer. In 2004, he graduated with honors 12th in his class out of 106 from the Indiana Police Academy.
Parrett opened Big G's Sports Cafe in 2005 and through that, has made an effort to give back to the community, supporting many youth sports activities.
"I may not have grown up in politics but I have been dedicated to this community," Parrett said. "I am determined to make this a great place for current and future business. I also understand that we are a tight knit community and we need to take care of our own. I will strive to answer any questions or concerns and make the right decisions that will benefit our community. I plan on having an open door policy." He adds that no appointment will be necessary if the people of Columbia City want to meet with him to discuss issues.
"I will welcome any and all questions, concerns, or comments," he said. "I will inform and educate the community on the projects that are going on and that will take place. I don’t hunt, fish, or golf, MY hobby is work. My business has never interfered with my first priority as a full time police officer and I will continue this philosophy while working as an active full time mayor for the City of Columbia City.”
Parrett says he's eager to focus on job creation in the city. "This will also boost our community in all other aspects of business. The housing market will increase along with all local businesses. We need to show investors that a small town is an excellent place to locate their business. I believe that this will come as we show them the benefits of our great city," said Parrett.
Spending is also a concern for Parrett, adding that he wants to take a closer look at expenses and find find ways to be more resourceful as a city government.
"There are many scenarios that I could give to eliminate useless spending; however, I believe that we need to spend money on certain things i.e. preventative maintenance, keeping our city looking beautiful in order to attract business," Parrett continued. "If we need it then let’s get it. If we don’t need it, then let’s don’t get it."
Parrett attended Columbia City Joint High School. He has three children and is engaged to Heather Meeks.
Parrett has created a Facebook page for his campaign called Gary "Big G" Parrett for Mayor.
Parrett is among three GOP candidates who will compete for the Republican ticket in May. He will then face a Democratic challenger in November.