MANSFIELD — Only one of them will advance to November’s general election. But two Democratic candidates for mayor in Mansfield both offered positive outlooks for change on Monday evening.
Don Bryant, currently a Mansfield City Council At-Large representative, and local businesswoman Victoria Norris-Diez spoke during the Richland County Democratic Party Women’s Caucus in front of a full house at the party’s headquarters at 16 S. Park St.
Both candidates, who announced their campaigns in December, were limited to 10-minute speeches. The winner of the May 7 primary will take on two-term incumbent Republican Mayor Tim Theaker in November.
Bryant, a 33-year-old educator, spoke first and said he understands each resident’s story is singular. “But we have a shared destiny of greatness on the road ahead here in Mansfield. If we are truly to make progress and move our city forward, we must take steps forward to create and develop solutions that are most important to Mansfield,” said Bryant, who is nearing completion of his first term on city council.
“It’s time to get out there and vote … vote for change that you believe in,” said Bryant.
Bryant was born and raised in Mansfield, where he graduated from the Mansfield City School District in 2003. He went on to study at The Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies, and Capella University (in Minneapolis), where he earned a master’s degree in education.
Norris-Diez, 37, is a graduate of Galion High School and also The Ohio State University, who was recruited as an undergrad to work for a top-tier marketing agency and began her career in brand marketing working in Los Angeles. She is the mother of twin 6-year-old children.
Norris-Diez, 37, is a local entrepreneur who founded her start-up company, NytStnd, an e-commerce business that designs and manufactures charging docks geared towards Apple products at Braintree in downtown Mansfield. The product is sold exclusively online and launched in 2015. NytStnd was featured in the 2018 Spring edition of Better Homes & Gardens and is also the No. 1 charging station on Etsy.
Near the end of her remarks, Norris-Diez announced she has recently sold her company to a family owned business in Columbus, which has said it will keep the business at Braintree and also maintain her current staff.
“From the beginning, I have said we deserve better,” Norris-Diez said. “I am thinking about that with every step I am taking this campaign. I am working to earn your vote through my actions and not just my words so you will not have an absentee mayor. I will be out there working for you every day just like I did my own business,” she said.
“(With the sale of her company), now I can focus full-time on my campaign, my next goals and my laundry,” she said.
Bryant, who recalled growing up in Mansfield, said it becomes a problem when people dwell on the past and focus on things Mansfield doesn’t have anymore.
“I am running for mayor to change that conversation, to change that story, from what we used to have yesterday to what we can and will have moving forward if you elect Don Bryant as mayor of Mansfield,” he said. “I have a vision for the City of Mansfield that is focused on you.”
Bryant said his agenda will focus on economic development; public safety and neighborhood outreach; streets and infrastructure and strengthening opportunities for youth.
He also said that, if elected, he would establish a commission in Mansfield on women and girls. “This commission would ensure a coordinated local response to issues that especially impact the lives of women and girls and ensures local programs and policies address and take into account the distinctive concerns of women and girls. Your voice is important to me and your concerns will not be left unaddressed with a Bryant administration,” Bryant said.
Norris-Diez said there are many amazing assets in Mansfield, but that change is needed.
“We cannot move forward and stabilize without a positive change in leadership,” she said. “I have found my success by taking action. Apathy is apparent in our community, We cannot elect a mayor who has served two terms and think we are going to get change. I am willing, I am in front of you representing true, positive change.
“Coming up in the corporate world was not all sunshine and rainbows. It was competitive and it was aggressive. What I learned is you can’t let (negativity) affect you. You have to stay professional, look forward and finish your goals,” Norris-Diez said.
Both candidates will speak again before local Democrats at upcoming weekly party luncheons. Norris-Diez is scheduled to appear on April 24 and Bryant on May 1. Party luncheons start at 11:30 a.m. at the party headquarters.
