The President's Corner

Former mayors James Day and Gerald Boldt slice a cake in honor of Parma's sesquicentennial. Linda Kinsey and Donna Smallwood are in the background.

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I want to thank you, the readers, for the positive feedback I have received about my recent columns on former mayors Petruska and DePiero. Many suggested I keep it going. As a result, I recently contacted former Parma Mayor Gerald Boldt to request an interview. He enthusiastically agreed and invited me to his home on Friday, November 14. Below is a synopsis of the nearly two hours we talked.

Gerald Boldt served the City of Parma for over 30 years and truly worked his way up the public service ladder. Starting out as a Democratic precinct committeeman, at the behest of several of his neighbors in Gettysburg Estates off of Broadview Road, he ran for City Council against incumbent Frank Dobbins in 1973 and won by 36 votes. Boldt served in that position for 14 years, then, after an unsuccessful bid for Auditor, Mayor Michael Ries appointed him Safety Director. He admitted that he was kind of surprised Ries selected him, as they did not always see eye to eye on the council floor. However, Ries respected Boldt for his “sound and wise decision making.”  Tragically, Mayor Ries passed unexpectedly midterm in 1994 and Boldt was selected by the Democratic leadership to succeed him. He went on to win two terms as mayor in his own right, serving as the second longest standing mayor in Parma history at ten years.

Following high school, Mayor Boldt served his country in the U.S. Army as an anti-aircraft radar operator in Okinawa. When he returned home, he married the love of his life, Jean, whom he had known since first grade, having attended St. Francis de Sales Elementary and Holy Name High School with her. In fact, they went to senior prom together. He worked as a machinist and a product designer at Cleveland Twist Drill for 30 years.

When I asked his advice for the current Council and Administration, he admonished, “Don’t look back.  Always look forward. Never waste time casting blame.  Never second guess the previous or current Administration because you do not know what they know.  Stay positive and work as a team to move the city forward. Focus on safety and economic diversification – attracting new businesses.” He expressed how much he enjoyed his time in public service. In fact, he mentioned several times how much he enjoyed “helping people.” 

When I asked Mayor Boldt what he viewed as his biggest achievements, he was quick to mention that he did not accomplish anything on his own. “I could not have done anything without the support of my City Council colleagues and my administrative team,” he said. He is most proud of working with General Motors and Geis, Inc. to create the industrial parkway off of West 130th Street. Truth be told, this area has continued to thrive under the DePiero and DeGeeter Administrations. He is also proud that under his leadership the new Justice Center was built and City property was sold to Parma Hospital to build a cancer center. The proceeds from this sale were utilized to build Powers Boulevard.

Before I left their home, Mrs. Boldt came into the room. She and the Mayor expressed their deep love of family, especially their twelve grandchildren. They are quintessential Parma folks - salt of the earth who clearly continue to love one another deeply and hold God, their family, friends, and neighbors close. The two are longtime parishioners of St. Columbkille Church and frequent Antonio’s, Das Schnitzel Haus and Stancato’s for meals. They also enjoy going on walks through the Cleveland Metroparks' new West Creek Reservation in Parma. They expressed their love of Parma and how they do not plan to leave. Relishing his retirement, Mayor Boldt serves on the Board of Directors for Regina Healthcare and enjoys playing golf with friends and traveling.

In closing, I want to thank Mayor Gerald Boldt for taking the time to complete this interview and for his many years of service to the residents of the city of Parma.