A Mayor for All Mansfielders
Don Bryant is running for Mayor to become a voice for all Mansfielders and to make sure no one is left behind. He believes it's time for strong, confident leadership in the Mayor's office. Leadership that demonstrates the ability to listen to people. Leadership that is serious about generating meaningful results to help improve the quality of life for Mansfielders. Leadership that can communicate the message that Mansfield is ready to expand and that we welcome opportunities that will push our city forward.
Don is someone who genuinely cares about his hometown and the people who live here. At 29 years old, Don became the youngest person elected to city-wide office in Mansfield since 1967. As City Councilman, Don’s colleagues appointed him Chairman of public safety; with oversight of Mansfield police, fire, EMS and 911 call centers. He is also the first African-American Chairman of the Mansfield Airport Committee and member of the Mansfield Airport & Aviation Commission (MAAVCOM), with oversight of Mansfield Lahm Airport.
In addition to working on City Council, Don has served as an educator throughout the past seven years in a variety of positions within the Mansfield City School District including: English/Language Arts teacher, K-3 Reading Tutor, and most recently completed a two-year high-school principal apprenticeship program at Mansfield Senior High School. While training to become a principal; Don helped manage student attendance and disciplinary issues, building operations, and helped to reduce suspension rates--especially among those students identified as being ‘at-risk.’ As City Councilman, Don’s youth policy has focused on equipping young people with the readiness skills they need to be successful in the real-world. In 2015, he created the first Mansfield City Council Internship Program to provide opportunities for college students to acquire a full understanding of the legislative process and to earn academic credit for their participation. However, even before thinking about becoming a teacher or running for office; in his young adulthood, Don wanted to help young people stay focused in school. In 2009 as an intern for a former Mansfield Mayor; he developed the Mayor’s Education Task Force. As Task Force Director, Don was able to recruit over 70 volunteers throughout Richland County, with the mission to help create a positive environment in the Mansfield City School District. By 2010, the Task Force in partnership with Mansfield City School teachers, administration and parents; helped reduce attendance and behavior issues within the Mansfield City School District. Don accredits his mother, Cheryl, as a dominant source of inspiration. His life changed suddenly when his mother was diagnosed with Lymphoma and Leukemia in 2008. While working and going to school, Don helped support his mother through several periods of aggressive chemotherapy treatments. Don's inspiration is his mothers strength. During her fight with cancer, she still found the will power to push forward to earn her college degree. |