Mengel, the chief deputy clerk of court, has a long history serving the county taxpayers and a host of community organizations. After 35 years as a safety engineer for AK Steel, Mengel joined the county as a bailiff in the late Judge Tony Valen’s common pleas court. Shortly after Valen moved up to the 12th District Court, Mengel moved over to Probate Court Judge Randy Rogers chambers.
After 14 years there, he moved on to the clerk’s office where he’s been for three years. Clerk of Court Mary Swain said Mengel brought a unique set of skills to the office.
“Pete brought a broad spectrum of experience from the fields of management, court and even engineering that was of great importance to the office. His across-the-board knowledge was employed with everything from repairing broken furniture to dealing with personnel issues and reviewing leases,” she said. “His wealth of experience and knowledge in management and county government will be sorely missed.”
In addition to his service to the county, Mengel also served as chairman of the county Republican Party and the Board of Elections. In his role as GOP chair and through other life activities, he has rubbed elbows with six U.S. Presidents.
The 74-year-old met President Herbert Hoover at a boys club dedication in his hometown of Potsdam N.Y., when he was a boy. He also met former presidents Richard Nixon, Jerry Ford, Ronald Reagan and both Bush presidents. His encounter with “W” was memorable.
He remembers a fundraiser when former President George W. Bush came to Cincinnati. Mengel was perusing the appetizer table when Bush came up behind him and asked if the chicken wings were any good. He replied he hadn’t tried them. Bush proceeded to fill a plate and brought it over to one of his staffers who had taken care of advance arrangements.
“I thought okay, he’s pretty down to earth,” Mengel recalled. “That kind of leaves one of those impressions in your mind (that) he still remembered who the people are that help make things happen.”
Joe Statzer, the clerk’s special projects manager, said he regards Mengel in much the same light.
“Pete is a complete professional, a highly ethical person, and a class act,” Statzer said. “He knows how to treat people the right way. It’s been an honor to work with him, and he will be missed in Butler County government.”
Probate Judge Randy Rogers said Mengel was more than just a bailiff in his court. He was the liaison with MetroParks — the judge appoints park commissioners — and he handled guardianship files and served as the court handyman. Rogers said he thinks he still has Mengel’s hammer.
Mengel was also a hero. One day a patient from Summit Behavioral Health got tired of waiting so he picked up a chair and swung it at a staffer.
“He got tired of waiting so he started whaling, and Pete wrestled him,” Rogers said. “Pete, 69 years old, wrestled him to the ground.”
Mengel has served on safety councils in both Hamilton and Middletown, the Jaycees of Middletown, MetroParks and the Hamilton/Fairfield Symphony Chorale. His retirement means more time with his wife of 46 years, Judy, three children and soon to be 14 grandchildren.
“My philosophy is to stay busy,” he said. “I’ve always thought of the things to stay young is eat healthy, help others, whether it be in the community or wherever, help give back and keep a sense of humor.”
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