Perry seeking to move from chamber of commerce to mayor's office
Jodie Perry says the city, community and region are facing a "pivotal moment."
"We need a strong leader, someone who can build positive relationships, someone who can make hard decisions," she said.
Perry is one of four Republican candidates running in the May 2 primary to replace Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker, who cannot run again because of term limits. Early voting begins April 4.
Perry is vying with Jim Holsinger, Linn Steward and Stephanie Zader. The winner will face Democrat Sherry Vaught in November's general election.
A resident of Mansfield since 2014, Perry has been the president and CEO of Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development.
Since her September announcement that she would run for mayor, Perry has assumed the title of chief operating officer.
Perry, 46, is a native of Rochester, New York. She came to the area to attend Ashland University, where she majored in political science and religion and minored in history.
"All the things you're not to speak about at the dinner table," Perry said.
She oversaw the affiliation with the countywide economic development organization, Richland Community Development Group in 2017, which has focused on bringing higher-paying jobs to the area.
Perry is also a co-leader of the Mansfield Rising project, which established a Downtown Improvement Plan in 2018.
"I really have made a lot of great connections in this community," she said. "My love for the community is very genuine. I thought this is the place where I wanted to stay."
Perry is a native of New York
Prior to coming to the local chamber, Perry led the Greece (N.Y.) Chamber of Commerce for eight years and the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce in Ohio.
She also was the director of research and communication for the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce.
For the last few months, Perry has been a regular attendee at Mansfield City Council meetings.
"I'm used to a board of directors, which is different than council," she said. "It's been interesting to learn about that."
Perry said she decided to run because Theaker is serving his final year.
"With the experience and work I've done with the city, I was interested," she said. "It's related to what I do at the chamber but different. I enjoy challenges."
Perry says she wants to focus on economic development as a foundation.
"We need to grow. I think Mansfield is well-positioned for further growth," she said.
She said she wants to see the city build, secure and prepare.
"Essential upgrades to Mansfield's underlying infrastructure will improve our safety, plus create a strong foundation for future development," Perry said in campaign literature. "Our safety services need the tools, training and personnel to provide the service you expect."
Regarding preparation, she said, "Fiscal responsibility can be done with wise management of your tax dollars while minimizing the burden to city residents and businesses."
Perry has been going door-to-door in her campaign and has seven billboards. She jokes she's getting tired of seeing her own face.
Those endorsing Perry include Mayor Tim Theaker
She is being endorsed by Theaker, state Rep. Marilyn John, Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson, Richland County Commissioners Tony Vero and Darrell Banks, Shelby Mayor Steve Schag, Mansfield City Council members Aurelio Diaz and Laura Burns, Bellville Mayor Teri Brenkus, county Auditor Pat Dropsey and county Engineer Adam Gove.
"What people have seen from me at the chamber in terms of my work ethic, my ability to collaborate ... I am who I am," Perry said.
She noted there will be many changes in city administration. Along with mayor, there will be new law and finance directors and new municipal court judges.
"To me, it's a good opportunity to build new relationships," Perry said. "Whatever happened in the past can just stay there. I think everybody's excited for fresh ideas."
mcaudill@gannett.com
419-521-7219
Twitter: @MNJCaudill
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Perry is one of 4 Republicans seeking nomination for Mansfield mayor
