Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Education/Training/Experience
Associate Degree Personnel Management, Leadership. I also have experience in outside sales working for Ryder Transportation and America's Propane. I enjoy working together with others, coming together as a team to accomplish goals.
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Retired Air Force
Social Media
Facebook
I attend City County meetings and have gotten acquainted with them. I follow what is happening in our city. I grew up here and my father, Dick Davis, taught me how important it is to stay involved and help others.
Finances. Experience in this area is crucial. An elected individual doesn't mean they have experience in this area.
Education/Training/Experience
B.S. in Psychology from the Ohio State University, OPOTA through Marion Technical College, Associates in Arts from Ohio State
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Police Lieutenant
I was raised with the ideals of giving back to my community and have spent my entire career in the law enforcement field, making me very well versed in the criminal and civil legal forums. During this tenure, I have led the Major Crimes division of the Police Department as well as served as the MPACT coordinator. This put me in a unique position of maintaining the budget for the program, including applying and managing grants as well as program development. I have sat on the appropriations committee and board for the Marion County United Way, I am the past chairman of the Drug Free Marion Coalition and currently sit on the Mayor's Senior Task Force, the MARCA Board of Directors, and the Steering Committee for the Marion Chamber of Commerce Safety Council. Additionally, I have held a number of positions with the Scouts of America.
I believe the citizens should have representation in their local government and the roles of the mayor and city council need to continue to be elected positions to provide that representation. Other positions in our current government require specialized skills. Unfortunately, however, this creates limitations and there are times when the best qualified persons for certain jobs may not live within the city limits. As an example, fewer and fewer of our local attorneys live within the city which makes the future of the law director's office uncertain. I believe by making this position and the financial offices appointed positions, we can expand and ensure the most qualified people are in the right positions. Obviously, these people need to have a vested interest in our community but our community does not stop at the city limits.
Education/Training/Experience
BFA, Cinema Production, The Ohio State University
Home City or Township
Marion, Ohio
Current Occupation
Producer/Director/Writer for CHALLENGE Productions and THE INDUSTRIAL CHANNEL
Social Media
Facebook: The Industrial Channel, How Do We Make Marion, Ohio Better?, Veterans Banner Campaign, Terry Cline, Marion, Ohio: YouTube
Worked for attorneys: F. Lee Bailey, firms of: Schottenstein, Zox & Dunn, Abrams & O'Connel, Daniel E. Shifflet & Co., LLP, J.C. Ratliff, Robert Wilson and Ted Coulter.
Marion Wings & Wheels Fly-in, Marketing Director, took the event from a budget of approximately $6000.00 to over $30,000.00, created a web site: www.wingswheelsmarion.com and built the attendance to shy of 10,000 in 3 years.
Garden Czar: first successful. community garden at the former Mark Street Elementary School. Assisted Jeanie Brewer in marketing the Lincoln Park Aquatic Center by creating a television commercial and social media materials.
Helped the Marion Veterans Banner Campaign with a video that took the "REMI" Gold at the Houston International Film Festival.
Critical thinking/creativity/organizational skills are what I offer the citizens of Marion.
It was my hope there would be a broad spectrum of citizens, those over looked and under served, that would seek to be on The Charter Commission.
All positions in city government should be elected to office after being vetted by their party or a qualifying source. Appointees are, generally friends with, perhaps, good intensions, but don't know what the hell they are doing. Marion has seen enough of this political hornswoggling. It is unfair to the tax payers of Marion.
Marion taxpayers are stock holders and should demand a better return on their tax dollar investment.
Only a Marion city resident should hold office or any position of authority in Marion City government. A Marion City resident has "skin in the game"; pays taxes in support of our community.
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Mayor
38 years of Public Service
Chief of Police, Chief Deputy, Mayor
Prior Elected School Board Member for Ridgedale and a School Board Member for Marion Catholic School.
Current Board Member for Pillar Credit Union, Downtown Marion Inc., Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ohio Heartland Community Action, Land Bank, Housing Coalition, OSUM Advisory Board, Regional Planning, and the Marion County EMA Advisory Board.
In my opinion the Auditor and Treasurer Position should be appointed positions. In a City our size the number of candidates that would have the experience or qualifications to handle the multi-million dollar city finances is very limited, as has been observed over the last several years. The city would be served far better by having a Chief Financial Officer that could perform both functions and candidates would not be limited by geographical boundaries and would have to meet minimum qualifications to apply for the position. If that person proved to be ineffective in the job they could also be terminated for that reason.
Education/Training/Experience
Master's of Business Administration and Bachelor's of Management from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Associate of Applied Science degrees in Accounting and Management, both from Marion Technical College
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Real Estate Investor, Home School Mom, Tutor, Volunteer
I spent many years in social services working with people from all of life's paths. I've dealt with applying for and complying with state grants for housing, work programs, clothing, and education. I believe I can represent a group of people that are often overlooked and underserved in our community.
I have attended or listened to every city council meeting for years. I understand how local governments works and I am very familiar with the serious issues facing our city both now and in the future.
I've managed our family's rental properties for more than 15 years. We have invested in the neighborhood we live in, fully rehabbing blighted properties, and then offering them as government approved affordable housing units.
I am not firm in my position on this topic. I believe the idea of voting or appointment should be considered for all elected positions in the city except city council. They are the closest members of government to the people so they absolutely should be chosen through an election by the people. I’ve done a lot of reading on charter cities but would want to hear other commission members’ ideas before I took a firm stance on electing or appointing other city officials.
Education/Training/Experience
Graduate of Pleasant HS and attended OSUM and Capital University and have owned Lois J Fisher & Associates, a real estate development, investment and management company for 30+ years in Marion.
Home City or Township
Marion City
Current Occupation
R E Developer
I currently serve on the Park National Bank Advisory Board and The Ohio State University Marion Advisory Board. I have previously served as President of the following Boards: Downtown Marion, Inc, Women's Business Council, CanDo and Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. I am also a graduate of the Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute and I was the first recipient of the ATHENA Award for Marion County, I have also served on various other boards in the Marion community.
I currently believe the position of City Auditor and Treasurer should be appointed vs elected because those positions require specific skills that require a financial degree/training to ensure that they have the knowledge to protect and conserve the government resources entrusted to them. The City Auditor's position plays a crucial role in ensuring financial accountability and transparency and promotes effective use of city resources. This is necessary for the continued growth of our community. I would like to have a plan in place to have them be required to become Marion residents, in the event they are not residents.
Education/Training/Experience
1993 graduate of Marion Harding/ 1995 graduate of North Central State College Law Enforcement Academy/ 2005 graduate of Police Executive Leadership College
Home City or Township
Marion City
Current Occupation
Major/Operations Commander at Marion Police Dept.
I was hired by the Marion Police Department immediately following my graduation from Marion Harding in 1993. I’m blessed to continue serving my community 32 years later and I currently hold the rank of Major and title of Operations Commander with MPD. I have consistently dedicated my time and energy into the City that I’ve always called home. Outside of City government, I have served on the Board of Directors for Ohio Health/Marion General Hospital, including chair of the Mission & Strategy Committee. Additionally, I’ve held positions on the Board of Directors for the local Red Cross Chapter, the Heart of Ohio Shelter and currently serve on the Turning Point Board, chairing the Governance Committee.
Should a charter be created and approved by the voters, we must clearly define the problems we are seeking to solve. My interest in serving on this commission comes with a simple agenda, to ensure the continued delivery of high quality services to all citizens. We should not waste the valuable time of this commission, nor the limited resources of residents in an attempt to completely re-invent a City Government that has largely served us well. With that said, where we’ve had problems, they’ve been significant. I share the concerns of many residents as it relates to the financial difficulties we’ve faced for the last several years due to the lack of accountability in the Auditor’s Office. We should seek first to hire/elect Marionites but create mechanism to ensure that we have only the most qualified people in such impactful positions
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Retail Manager
As a long-time store manager, 15 years with CVS and 10 years with a big box retailer, I have organizational and financial experience. I have a good understanding of how government works. I also understand that what comes out of this commission is a consensus of the people elected to the commission, who I hope will seek the guidance/information they are lacking, from knowledgeable people. Finally, I believe you need many different kinds of people from all walks of life, especially those not currently serving in elected positions to develop the best form of government for Marion Citizens.
I don't like the idea of appointed positions, as that usually leads to "it's not what you know, but who you know", that gets the appointment. I think certain positions including auditor and treasurer candidates, should have to meet certain minimum educational and/or work experience qualifications before they can even be put on the ballot. Marion residence should be required, however, that could be part of the commission discussion concerning positions that require specialized degrees that would severely limit the number of qualified candidates and then maybe requiring county residence would be sufficient.
Education/Training/Experience
Studied Business Management at Marion Technical College, Ministry and Leadership at Purpose Institute
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Licensed Insurance Agent
Social Media
linktr.ee/robertlandon
I bring a diverse set of experiences that equip me to help design a government structure that is accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our community. I have served on City Council, and was Chairman of the Legislation and Codes Committee. In 2018, I initiated the City Charter discussion, realizing the value a City Charter could bring to improve our structure, flexibility, and better meet the expectations of our community. During that time, I spoke in depth with the Ohio Municipal League and other communities who adopted charters to gain a deeper understanding of the process and solutions to our needs. Further, I served as City Auditor, served on a committee for the Ohio Municipal League, and co-founded the Marion Christian Alliance, a grassroots based Christian group.
I believe we need a balanced approach that provides for accountability and professional expertise. The immediate need is to change from an elected City Auditor and Treasurer to an appointed Finance Director with professional experience and education. The Charter Commission will have the ability to require the Finance Director to live within the city limits. This requirement is a common sense approach to integrating our leaders within the community they serve.
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Self-employed
I have served on boards and committees both in Marion and elsewhere. In Marion, I've been involved with MarionMade!, Downtown Marion, Inc., the young professionals group, and The Forge business incubation competition.
As a new participant in the revitalization of downtown Marion, I have interacted with and learned about many different government functions as I've gotten several businesses off the ground and assisted others with their new businesses.
My experience across these areas has prepared me to help design a government for Marion by helping me learn how to listen effectively, how to recognize and acknowledge diverse stakeholders, and how to synthesize different and varied perspectives into an executable final product.
I believe a clear line between elected and appointed positions makes sense and can foster a more effective and impactful city government. Policy-focused positions like council seats and the mayor should be elected. Functional positions like treasurer and auditor should be appointed.
The people have the right to steer the policy of their city government and regular elections afford them the power to change direction by keeping incumbents in office or by voting them out.
Functional roles should be appointed and appointments should be based on broadly accepted job-fit criteria including previous experience, education, and overall ability to effectively carry out the functional tasks required by the job.
Marion residence should be required for these positions and relocation within a certain time-frame of appointment is acceptable.
Education/Training/Experience
Graduate River Valley High School. Associates Degree; Marion Technical College. Hundreds of hours of career specific courses and training.
Home City or Township
Marion, Ohio (East Side)
Current Occupation
Resource Officer at Buckeye Community School - Marion.
Social Media
Brian Lovell on Facebook
I've worked in county government my entire adult life. I have a thorough understanding of county, municipal and township governments and how they are supposed to operate. With my experience in law enforcement, I can navigate the legal process.
In volunteering on different boards and commissions, including churches, The Marion County Historical Society, and The Marion Civic Chorus, I understand deadlines, organizational processes, and the importance of accountability. I've always worked to bring stability and leave things better than I found them.
Marion is my home where I've raised my family and where I plan to live out my life. At least 4 generations of my family lived and raised their families here. I want to be part of lasting solutions to move our City forward for the generations to come.
City government must serve city residents with as much clarity as possible. The Mayor and Council should be elected and have the ability to carry out the business of the city clearly and decisively.
Finances are arguably the most important thing city government deals with. To make them more accountable, Council and the Mayor must have direct authority and ability to manage them.
The elected positions of City Auditor and Treasurer must be abolished and replaced with an appointed Director of Finance who answers to the Mayor and City Council. The city government will then have options to seek qualified people, or accounting firms, in the broader area who can professionally handle Marion's finances.
Education/Training/Experience
M.S. Degree from Springfield College in Human Services / Organizational Leadership and M.S. Degree from Western Kentucky University in Recreation & Park Administration. Served 14 years as CEO of the Marion Family YMCA and over 30 years professional experience with nonprofit organizations.
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Donor Relations Manager, Marion Community Foundation / Retired YMCA Executive Director
I’ve helped write several by-laws (governing documents) for nonprofit organizations both as the CEO and as a board member. I’ve been attending City Council meetings on a regular basis for the past three years (and sporadically before that). During my professional career, I lived in six different communities and observed first-hand how these city governments functioned. In my capacity as CEO of nonprofit organizations, I’ve worked with city governments including with the City of Marion. My interest and understanding of government began in high school during which I participated in the Minnesota YMCA’s Youth & Government program.
A better question is what issues facing our city can be solved or improved with a charter form of government. One such issue is the continued lack of timeliness, accuracy & transparency is managing city finances. A charter that realigns financial responsibilities and provides more oversight and accountability would be one step in solving this problem. This could involve specific qualifications in the charter for either hiring or electing a finance officer. I think the best charter will be written beginning with the question of what we need to improve rather than beginning with the assumption that the charter is going to change how we choose city leaders.
Education/Training/Experience
City of Marion Police Officer since 1994; Chief of Police since 2020. President of the FOP of Ohio from 2010-2018 and again from 2024 to present. National FOP Vice President from 2015-2019
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
City of Marion Police Chief
I have worked for the City of Marion since 1994; I serve on the Advisory Council for the United Way; I am a graduate of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Marion. As FOP of Ohio President, I have interacted with City governments of all sizes and structures.
I believe that Marion should have a strong Mayor system of Government. I also believe that the Law Director should be elected and not appointed. I am willing to listen to arguments about appointing financial directors for the City. I believe that all elected officials should live in the City of Marion, as is required already.
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Security
I hold associate degrees in Criminal Justice/Homeland Security and Business Management, and have completed coursework in Accounting 1 and 2, which gives me a solid foundation in both legal and financial principles. I’ve worked in state prisons for over 3 years, and for the past 3½ years, I’ve served in security at City Hall, giving me direct experience with governmental operations and public service. While I haven’t served on formal boards, my son and I actively collaborate with nonprofit organizations—including MPACT, K9s, Luke 3:11 Ministries, Turning Point, and Children’s Miracle Network through Walmart—to raise funds and support community initiatives. These experiences have deepened my understanding of community needs and strengthened my commitment to public service.
I believe the mayor and city council should be elected, as it’s essential for the community to have a direct voice in choosing its leadership. If a charter is passed, it’s critical that those selected to serve on the charter commission listen closely to the community’s needs and priorities. I also feel that some positions should be opened to non-residents, which would allow for a broader pool of qualified candidates and give voters more options. For appointed positions, I strongly believe there should be clear criteria, such as relevant degrees and experience, to ensure that individuals are well-equipped to serve effectively.
Education/Training/Experience
Bachelors of Social Work, Adrian College 2014; Masters of Social Work with a Specialization in Management of Human Services and Geriatric Social Work, University of Michigan 2015; Co-Director for Marion Area LGBTQ+ Coalition; Board Member for Marion Public Health; Polling Location Technician for Marion Board of Elections
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Licensed Independent Social Worker/Behavioral Health Provider
With my Masters Degree in Management of Human Service, I have received advance training in navigating the complex intricacies of running a nonprofit organization. I also serve on various local non-profit organization board of directors with hands-on experience collaborating with various stakeholders. I also am involved locally as a technician poll worker for the Board of Elections and ensure safe and fair electoral process.
Generally, I feel most positions should be elected. I believe that certain positions requiring a specific knowledge and qualifications should provide resumes, interview, and then appointed by city council. These specific positions would include: Coroner, Auditor, Treasurer, Engineer, Clerk, Director of Law, and School Board.
Mayor, Sheriff, Judges and Prosecutor, and City Council, should all still go through the electoral process.
Education/Training/Experience
N/A
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Law Director
Social Media
N/A
I have provided advice and guidance for three City Administrations for over three decades.
The voters of Marion will decide whether or not the positions of Auditor and Treasurer should be changed to appointed positions. The voters will determine whether it is time to demand the person serving in each respective Office has actual work experience in bookkeeping, accounting and/or a financial background. Yes, whoever is selected to serve should be a resident of the City of Marion.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Education/Training/Experience
Graduate Marion Harding High School; Bachelor of Arts Degree, Capital University; Masters Degree Bowling Green State University; Marion City Schools 1976-99: Tri-Rivers Educational Computer Association (TRECA) 1999-2015
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Retired Educator
I have been deeply involved in Marion through service and leadership. I was a founding member of the Marion Matters Board, currently serve as President of the MARCA Board, and sit on the Center Street Clinic Board of Directors. I’ve also facilitated many groups in strategic planning and led Leadership Marion for our Chamber of Commerce. These experiences have taught me the value of collaboration, listening, and building consensus to move our community forward. I am an active learner, committed to understanding how a charter can strengthen local government and reflect the priorities of our residents. My goal is to help design a structure that is transparent, responsive, and truly serves the people of Marion.
I believe Marion’s government should reflect both the voice of the people and the need for professional expertise. Positions like Mayor and City Council should remain elected so residents always choose the leaders who represent them. Roles that require technical skill, such as City Auditor or Law Director, are best appointed to ensure the city can hire the most qualified professionals. While residency is essential for elected officials, requiring it for specialized staff could limit our ability to serve the community well—for example, we have a very limited number of attorneys living within city limits. Encouraging residency is important, but flexibility helps us attract strong talent. My priority is making sure Marion has leaders who are accountable to residents and staff who are capable of delivering the best services for our city.
Home City or Township
Marion, Ohio
Current Occupation
Group Leader at Graphic Packaging
I do not have experience in the above fields, but I have done my homework on Charter Governments and I do believe that I have educated myself well enough to be capable of helping with the Charter.
Auditor and Treasurer should be appointed because as it stands currently anybody can run for those positions, and I believe that we should vet these people and make sure we have the most qualified people in those positions. I also don’t believe that Marion residence should be required because maybe the best person for the job doesn’t live in Marion. If said person wants to move to Marion that’s great but we shouldn’t force them.
Education/Training/Experience
Harding High School Graduate, Special Deputy Marion County Sheriff, Trained in Home Inspections, 42 Years Construction (32 Years Self Employed) 8-10 years Zoning Board of Appeals, 11years-8 months Zoning/Compliance Inspector, Union Chair for United Steelworkers, Negotiator for United Steelworkers
Home City or Township
Marion, Ohio
Current Occupation
Retired
1. Board of Zoning Appeals: Reviewed citizens request to change something on their property. It's called a variance and I had to know the zoning section that was required to ask for that variance.
2. Chairman for the Advisory Appeals Board for the Building Codes. Approve or disapprove the variance on the citizens property.
3. Union chair for The United Steel Workers. Oversee the laws of the union contract and helped union members in complaints filed against them.
4. Negotiator: The contract for The United Steel Workers every 3 years
5. Insurance Committee: to find the best insurance for the dollar for the members of United Steel Workers.
6. Updated parcels on the program; NEW WORLD. The City of Marion uses to create the Storm Water cost factor.
Mayor position should be Business Administrator that knows how to over see a business.
Auditor position should have back ground in all types of business finances.
I think they should be knowledgeable in whatever position they are applying.
Education/Training/Experience
I am a graduate of Ridgedale High School and earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Heidelberg University. I have been a Licensed Professional School Counselor since 2006 and have been employed with Marion City Schools since 2010.
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
School Counselor
I have served a number of boards and agencies. I am currently on the Marion-Crawford County ADAMH board and serve as the Secretary of the Marion County Democratic Club. I have previously served the boards for the I CAN Center for Excellence (a former college-access organization) and the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County. I was a founding member of Marion Young Professionals and am a graduate of the Marion Chamber of Commerce Leadership Marion program.
I believe that my many years of experience working with the families in our community and serving some of our amazing agencies has given me a unique and valuable perspective on the needs of Marion residents. My experience and training has allowed me to work with families and individuals from a variety of backgrounds to remove barriers and encourage progress.
At this time, I do not have a firm stance on this. I am interested in hearing a variety of perspectives & opinions and working with other residents to come to a solution that most benefits the community.
Education/Training/Experience
Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Marion Technical College, Bachelors Degree in Public Safety Management from Franklin University, Probation Officer at Marion County Common Pleas Court for 11 years and Chief Probation Officer for Marion Municipal Court for the past 13 years.
Home City or Township
Marion
Current Occupation
Chief Probation Officer
I have interaction with the city government with regards to the legislative and executive branch in my role as Chief Probation Officer. I have served in all executive positions with the Ohio Chief Probation Officer's Association and have served as Treasure with Marion Matters. I currently serve on Marion Technical College's Foundation Board of Directors and serve on the board of Downtown Marion Inc.
I believe the majority of positions should be elected. Elected officials represent the voice of the community and are accountable to constituents. Elections allow residents to choose representatives who can address their specific needs and concerns. Due to financial troubles with regards to the auditors and treasurers office, the buzz around town is to combine both of those positions into and appointed Director of Finance position. Should that occur, it would need to come with checks and balances from both the legislative and executive branches. Such a position would have to come with education and experienced credentials. A position like this would take away power directly from the citizens and would put the power directly into the hands of elected officials. Having said that, term limits would be recommended for balance.
