Joseph Koziura

Joe Koziura was born and raised in South Lorain in a family of 11 children, 6 boys and 5 girls. He completed his education at Lorain public schools and was part of the final ninth grade class that remained in junior high. He discovered his lifelong love of numbers when he took bookkeeping with Mr. Zatroch. Joe graduated in 1964 and remarks that not one of the buildings he was schooled in is still standing.

Joe started working at U.S. Steel and enrolled in business and accounting courses at LCCC. His graduation day will forever be unforgettable in a variety of ways. He received his degree in the morning, his draft notice that afternoon, and Robert Kennedy passed away from injuries that evening. Joe was drafted in June 1968 and served a tour in Vietnam attaining the rank of Sgt E-5 in just 13 months.

Upon returning from service, he turned his interests toward his local community. Joe was hired as Chief Deputy Auditor of the city of Lorain in 1971. He assumed the role of auditor six years later and performed his duties until 1983. He navigated the city through financial challenges, maintaining a balanced budget during an economic downturn. As an executive member of the Ohio Municipal Officers Association, he spoke on Ohio’s economic issues and learned about Statehouse affairs.

Joe was elected mayor in 1995 with concentration on economic development and quality of life issues. He brought in several companies that are still operating today. Examples include Brush Wellman, Steel Tubular, and Camaco. Joe began stronger code enforcement with an emphasis on rental properties. He also started the effort to repair and rebuild our water and sewer departments.

Joe served over twenty years in the Ohio House of Representatives and was on many important committees. He is most proud of writing, and getting into law, the Battered Women Syndrome legislation despite the opposition of the prosecutors throughout the state. He wrote legislation that resulted in the provisional ballot being created and allowing additional voter access. Joe revised budget language to require the state to cover the costs of the Charles Berry Bascule Bridge in Lorain. That has resulted in savings of over twenty million dollars for Lorain County citizens. He helped fund the Lorain Lighthouse, Palace Civic Center, and other projects.

Joe also was a registered financial advisor. He possesses Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses and is a CFP-A.A.M.S. He serves as Treasurer for the First Lutheran Church and the Lorain High School Booster Club. Joe volunteers for free tax preparation with United Way during tax season.

Joe is married to his wife Kitti. They have a daughter named Mary Katherine. They will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary in September. Kitti is a saint!

Joseph Koziura's Induction Speech