MANSFIELD — Shari Robertson stood in Mansfield City Council chambers two years ago to thank lawmakers for their support of her 28-year law enforcement career.
The retired Mansfield Police Department captain will return to those chambers on Tuesday as a member of that nine-member legislative body.
Robertson was elected Thursday by the 11-member Mansfield Republican Party Central Committee to complete the unexpired term of At-large Councilwoman Stephanie Zader, who resigned from office effective at the end of September.
Robertson received seven of the 11 votes to outpace Mike Miranda and Harold Wayman, both of whom received two votes during a meeting in the community room at the Mansfield Richland County Public Library on Third Street.
Robertson, a 1985 Madison High School graduate and a Mansfield resident for more than 37 years, said she had never planned on entering politics.
“I never thought that I would be somebody that would hold a political office or seek one,” she said.
“After my career in law enforcement, especially seeing the tide turn about the last six to eight years, I was very concerned about our community. I’ve always loved it,” Robertson said. “Anyone that knows me, knows that I care about the community.
“I just felt like when this opportunity presented itself … I decided I really wanted to serve. I really feel that I bring some skills to the council and I feel I’ll be an asset, with my experience.”
Robertson retired as the commander of the Special Operations Bureau, which includes the detective section and major crimes unit, forensic science section, neighborhood impact section and office of professional standards and training.
One of the highest ranking female officers in the MPD’s history, Robertson wore numerous hats during her career.
In 2008, former police chief Phil Messer noticed Robertson’s knack for writing. She became the department’s de facto grant writer, bringing in $11 million over the course of her career.
In 2019, Robertson received the Advocacy Service Award from the Domestic Violence Shelter for initiatives to better serve victims of domestic violence and their families.
Robertson has remained active in grant-writing for the MPD and has also served on the city Planning Commission and the city’s Charter Review Commission.
The incoming lawmaker said she’s excited about working with others on council and a new city administration that includes Mayor Jodie Perry, who took office 10 months ago.
“I think that the energy in that (municipal) building is showing. It seems like there’s people that are really willing to work together toward a goal. I think they share the same vision, which I think is very important,” Robertson said.
“You will always have some disagreements. I think that’s good. I think that that’s part of those processes of determining what’s our best course of action … looking at all those different sides and determining where do we go from here.
“I always like someone playing devil’s advocate. I think that’s important. But in the end, we all have to come together for what is best for the city and the community, regardless of how we may feel personally.”
Robertson said she plans to seek election to the seat in 2025.
“I did not plan this (tonight). I’m actually proactive, but for this, I did not plan ahead. I threw my my name out there, hoping that this would be the end result. I’m really looking forward to have an opportunity in the next year to work with City Council and administration.
“We will continue moving forward and see what next November brings,” she said.
