Letters to the Editor: Support for Chris Brown, Jodie Perry in Tuesday's election
Law director endorses successor
Being the elected law director for Mansfield is not for the inexperienced or faint-hearted. The law director prosecutes violent offenders, protects the city's multi-million-dollar coffers, provides legal advice to all elected city officials, prosecutes the city's interest in police, fire and employee arbitrations, and listens to the public in their moments of crisis. The law director also defends the city against all lawsuits and drafts all legislation for City Council. As your present law director for the past 12 years, I can assure you that the responsibilities of the law director are complex and demanding.
It is for these reasons that I want the voters in Mansfield to know that I am wholeheartedly supporting my Deputy Law Director Chris Brown to be elected as the new law director in the May 2 Democratic primary. For the past 12 years, I have observed Chris Brown's outstanding skills, work ethic, integrity and tenacity on behalf of the city. He is one of the finest municipal lawyers that I have had the privilege of knowing in the 50 years I have practiced law. I am not alone in that opinion. Chris is a respected authority on matters of municipal law across the state, and he is a frequently featured speaker at conferences for the Law Directors of Ohio.
I can say firsthand that Chris is a proven, rare talent, a native son of Mansfield and the best hire that I have ever made. Please consider voting for the experienced and eminently qualified Chris Brown. Mansfield deserves the very best and nothing less.
John R. Spon, Mansfield law director
Editor's Note: John Spon is leaving office this year due to term limits
Councilman urges support for Jodie Perry for mayor
Mansfield has been steadily climbing upward with significant revitalization, which has impacted neighborhoods and economic development. When I think about these exciting changes and who has led those changes, one person instantly comes to mind: Jodie Perry. When Jodie became the Richland Area Chamber’s new CEO, she thrusted herself on the frontlines to help resuscitate districts that have been an eyesore for decades and to rescue ailing businesses. Jodie has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the Mansfield Rising Plan, securing funding for the Main Street Project and COVID small business grants, creating programs for young entrepreneurs, helping lead the Homeless Response Team, creating jobs and more.
The mayor of Mansfield needs to ensure that the city is safe, crime is decreased, free of blight, has recreation opportunities for youth, available housing, and strong infrastructure. Also, the mayor needs to be an influential leader who will offer support to city employees so that they can be successful and happy with their job. Of all of the candidates who are campaigning to be the next mayor of Mansfield, only Jodie Perry is capable of accomplishing this.
This election is pivotal. It is time that we catch up with cities our size, and to end the negative narrative that Mansfield is without any hope. We are more than that, and with Jodie’s leadership, we will thrive immensely. Endorsements from countless elected officials, residents and business owners aren’t just “endorsements.” They reflect testament of seeing and knowing that Jodie Perry executes, delivers, cares and has the skills and background to lead Mansfield into a brighter future.
Join me and vote for Jodie Perry for mayor of Mansfield on May 2, and lets embark on a new path of change and community pride.
Aurelio V. Diaz, Mansfield city councilman, Ward 5
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Endorsements for Chris Brown and Jodie Perry in Mansfield May primary
