Robertson, Scott seek Mansfield City Council At-large seat on Nov. 4

MANSFIELD — Shari Robertson is asking Mansfield voters to return her to the seat to which she was appointed a year ago.

Phil Scott is asking those same residents to return his vote.

That’s the choice voters will make Nov. 4 between Robertson, a Republican, and Scott, a Democrat, in the race for an At-large seat on Mansfield City Council.

Robertson, in her first general election campaign, was appointed by Republicans in 2024 to complete an unexpired term.

Scott, who ran unopposed for council president in 2023, is midway through that four-year term.

But the long-time local official, first elected Richland County Clerk of Courts in 1987, is seeking to regain his vote among local lawmakers. The Mansfield City Council president only votes in the event of a tie among the other eight members.

Mansfield City Council members, who meet twice a month, will be paid $9,263 in 2026. There are two At-large members, who represent the entire city, and six ward representatives.

Here is a look at the two candidates, both of whom were unopposed in the May primary:

Shari Robertson has enjoyed serving the city

The 58-year-old Robertson, who lives on Winding Way, graduated from Madison High School in 1985 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Robertson, who retired in 2022 as a captain after 28 years with the Mansfield Police Department, currently works as a personnel director at The Ohio State Reformatory Preservation Society.

She said serving the city’s residents has been something she has enjoyed throughout her career, including a term on the City of Mansfield Charter Review Commission.

“I believe I have the abilities to help our administration be better. I have experience with budgeting, payroll, legislative processes, problem solving, labor issues/contracts and most importantly — community engagement,” Robertson said.

Robertson, who continued grant writing for the MPD after her retirement, said she noticed a change in the city building after a new administration led by Mayor Jodie Perry began in 2024.

“There was a very real and new energy throughout the building. There were so many newly elected officials due to term limits and it was obvious by the excitement in the air. It was invigorating and I wanted to be a part of this energy and vision,” she said.

Robertson said her primary issues in a new term would be business retention, quality of life issues for residents and a focus on city growth.

“As city leaders, we need to engage and work with local business owners to ensure they stay while finding ways to address their concerns,” she said, citing several businesses that have relocated to Ontario.

“It starts by finding out why these businesses left and collaborating with them to find ways to show they are valued and we want them to stay.”

She said too many building code violations go uncorrected.

“Staffing shortages in codes and permits have been a huge issue for the city over the last 15-plus years and has helped feed this issue,” Robertson said. “I believe the current city administration is working on this diligently and I hope to be a part of that effort.”

She said the city, over the last 15 years, has not done a good job of recruiting new businesses and companies.

“We have so many great resources and the city had recently continued to improve and grow critical infrastructure to attract new companies,” Robertson said. “I believe I have the initiative to assist with this, rather it be meeting potential new investors or working behind the scenes utilizing my grant-writing skills to assist.”

Asked what differentiates her from her opponent, Robertson cited her motivation and willingness to work long hours; 30-plus years of service to the city; and her ability to work well with others.

“I am not afraid to make the tough decisions. I spent nearly 28 years making some difficult choices and I know that as a City Council representative, there will be more to be made,” she said.

“I have always prided myself on making the best decision I could, with the information I had at that time, to better the situation. I believe in this community and I am willing to make the effort needed to ensure our future success.”

(Below is a video of an interview done with the two candidates at Richland Source on Oct. 15 by Richland Source Deputy Managing Editor Carl Hunnell.)

Phil Scott wants to regain his City Council vote

The 70-year-old Scott, who lives on Devonwood Road, graduated from Shelby High School in 1973 and said he is “semi-retired,” working as a driver for Buckeye Livery.

Scott served as the county clerk of courts until losing a bid for another re-election in 2004. He won election three times as Mansfield City Council president (2008-2019) before he was term-limited out of the slot.

Scott won a council At-large seat in 2020 before going back to win a term as council president in 2024.

“I have enjoyed my time on council and my service to the citizens of Mansfield,” Scott said.

“I wish to go back to council At-large where I have a vote and a voice in the issues that come before council.”

The veteran lawmaker said he thinks council must have a stronger voice in the city’s financial planning.

“I feel that when the budget comes to council, we should have more than just one read,” which was what happened in 2025.

“Budget hearings with the departments are important. These hearings have been done every year since I have been on council.”

Scott said he wants to help push for economic development as one of the city’s two At-large lawmakers. Like all municipalities in Ohio, Mansfield is largely funded through income taxes.

“I would like to see the city bring more good-paying jobs in the city. Continuing to work with economic development is very important,” he said.

Scott said he would also seek to bolster building code enforcement.

“We need to ensure proper funding of the codes and permits department,” he said.

Scott, who can still complete his term as council president if he loses this race, said his experience sets him apart from his opponent.

“I have the knowledge and history of the issues that have come before council,” he said.