Mayor Marilyn John of Shelby announced her campaign to run in 2014 for county commissioner on Monday afternoon. State Representative Mark Romanchuk, Mayor Darrell Banks of Bellville, and Mayor Tim Theaker of Mansfield were in attendance for John’s announcement.
“I want to thank Ed Olson, for his hard work as county commissioner. He has done tremendous work and I wish him well,” said John. Mayor John expressed her gratitude to the city of Shelby and her family for their support.
“Next to being a wife and a mother, being the mayor of Shelby has been the best job. Working in city hall is full of excitement and we are always busy. I am hoping to bring that hard work and enthusiasm to running for county commissioner,” said John.
John was elected as mayor of Shelby in 2009 and was reelected in 2011. During her time as mayor, she worked on flooding solutions with the reactivation of the Black Fork Subdistrict of the Muskingham Watershed District.
Additionally, in partnership with Shelby City Schools, John established a leadership program in 2012 to, titled LeaderRichland, assist middle school students to interact with community and business leaders around the Richland County area in a college atmosphere.
LeaderRichland started with Shelby schools; but in 2013, two additional schools became a part of the program. John is currently working closely with Richland County Development Group (RCDG) for 2014 and it is expected that eight schools will be joining the program.
John is also involved in the wider community including as part of the Shelby Rotary Club and the NCSC Foundation Board of Trustees. Her family lends additional connection. She and her husband Kevin have two children, Noah and Elya, in Shelby Schools.
“I have been blessed in my life to have strong leaders surrounding me. My parents, family, and church express such strong leadership and I treasure everything they have shown me over the years. I know that they are the reason why I am here today. I hope to bring strong leadership throughout this campaign. My children will always remain my first priority in my life. The support of my family and friends has been wonderful,” said John.
State Representative Mark Romanchuk endorsed John as county commissioner for 2014.
“Marilyn will bring a business approach to her run for county commissioner. County government is arm of state government and we are working to make state government even more efficient. I proudly endorse Mayor Marilyn John as county commissioner,” said Romanchuk.
“I truly believe Marilyn will do well. She brings the best of both worlds with public and private sectors. I am thrilled to endorse her during her campaign,” said Romanchuk.
John shared her devotion towards the city of Shelby. “I have enjoyed the last four years as being mayor of Shelby and by no means is my work completed just yet. I still have one year and I plan on continuing my work and campaigning. By running for county commissioner, I plan on working very closely with the other mayors in the county and Shelby is in Richland County which is tremendous because I can still be close to home,” said John.
“Next to being a wife and a mother, being the mayor of Shelby has been the best job. Working in city hall is full of excitement and we are always busy. I am hoping to bring that hard work and enthusiasm to running for county commissioner,” said Marilyn John.
