MANSFIELD — Regardless who wins the Democratic primary, a new name will occupy the party ballot for Mansfield City Council’s 6th Ward in November for the first time in eight years.
That’s because an appointed council member takes on two challengers on May 7 to represent an area largely comprised of the eastern part of the city.
Jean Taddie, appointed by the party in January to complete the unexpired term of Garnetta Pender, is opposed by Doug Caldwell and Easther McNeil. Pender was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015.
The winner takes on Republican Stephanie Zader in November. Zader is unopposed in the primary.
The 52-year-old Taddie, the director of the non-profit North Central Ohio Land Conservancy District, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in applied science, both from Cleveland State University.
Taddie, who lives at 282 2nd Ave., said she was born and raised in the Cleveland area, before moving to Mansfield and into the 6th Ward 22 years ago. She also served on the Mansfield Charter Commission in 2016.
“I want to see better progress for the 6th Ward and our residents,” she told Richland Source. “I care deeply about the diverse people in the 6th Ward — youth, families, singles, seniors and handicapped. Our residents are our best asset, and they are what motivate me to serve on council.”
Taddie is a supporter of the goals found in the Mansfield Rising downtown redevelopment plan, though she would like to see it “expanded beyond downtown with the help and guidance of 6th Ward residents.”
Taddie said she supports city efforts to reduce blight, but believes it will take greater cooperation from elected officials, city administrators, agencies and residents.
“Community revitalization is not something we just watch, it’s something we need to join in,” she said. “Residential property values in the 6th Ward are also hindered by post-industrial blight, so I’ve already started addressing brownfields in our ward with stakeholders.”
She said more amenities and opportunities are needed to inspire hope and prevent addiction.
“Residents tell me loud and clearly that we need more things to do for our youth, including ways for them to get involved in the community. And when they grow up, they need good-paying jobs that can support their families. And when we grow older, we need accessible housing and amenities so we can stay here throughout our life span,” Taddie said.
Taddie said her experience sets her apart from her two opponents.
“In addition to my current work (on council), I have extensive experience in community development, including nine years as a community organizer and program manager at the North End Community Improvement Collaborative, plus numerous conferences and classes,” Taddie said.
“Residents will also benefit from my communications experience, as I previously taught public speaking, team building and communications skills for 10 years,” she said. “It’s important that people feel informed, invited and involved.”
The 75-year-old McNeil, who is retired, said he wants to help the 6th Ward get “back to what it should be (and) that way it will help the other wards.”
“I would like to see the the city and schools working on a career technical academy lab and I would try to get the city (to do more for the schools,” McNeil said.
McNeil said the three main issues in the campaign are rental homes, economic issues and the local courts.
“I would try to get the city to build apartment complexes,” he said. “I would try to get a marijuana dispensary to start (in Mansfield).”
A resident of 304 E. Arch St., McNeil said his age sets him apart from his opponents. A U.S. Army veteran of the 101st Airborne Division, McNeil said he attended the non-comissioned officers’ academy and Mansfield Business School, among others.
“I have been in Mansfield for more years than either of the other two,” he said. “I have seen the city at the top. I would like to see it get back to the top. And I owe no one.”
The 63-year-old Caldwell said he has lived in Mansfield his entire life. He lives at 536 S. Diamond St.
“I have 55 years of experience doing John Todd Park, being beaten up by my brothers, walking through the alleys … all kinds of experience,” he said during a recent party weekly luncheon.
“The thing I am most interested in is making sure Ward 6 is appreciated … is brought up to where it needs to be.
“Some of the housing … there is getting to be a lot of empty houses. A lot of rental people coming in and some of the lowest form of people renting those houses. They are bringing their dirt with them, and by dirt, I mean drugs and thievery,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell said he is the former president of the Hedges Street Neighborhood Watch Association and member of the Mansfield Police Review and Community-Police Relations Commission.
“I know just about everyone in my ward,” he said. “There are a lot of things that can and should be done in Mansfield. Communicating with my constituents in the 6th Ward is a big thing for me. They want to be aware of what’s going on in this town. A lot of times different candidates don’t communicate face to face. I can do that. I will do that.”
Caldwell said he had never heard of Taddie before this campaign. He was also critical of Zader.
“I never seen her down Second Street, Hedges, Foster … any of those places. It’s going to take someone familiar with the area who can relate to the people, the good and the bad people, to get things done,” Caldwell said.
TUESDAY: Tax issues on May 7 primary ballot in Richland County.
THURSDAY: Democratic race for Mansfield City Council’s 4th Ward
FRIDAY: Democratic race for Mansfield City Council At-Large
TUESDAY, APRIL 30 — Democratic race for Mansfield mayor
