Dear Neighbors:
 
       2016 has proven to be a very busy, but productive year thus far. I am pleased with the increased amount of activities and events developing throughout our community. Your local government, I am pleased to say, has been very progressive in its support of the citizens. Although things have not all been cohesive; we are moving forward.   

    City Council has approved several pieces of legislation that have been applauded by many. These items include:

• 16-031  Enacting Ch 767, Donation Boxes to establish regulations & license requirements
• 16-040 Approval of the final annual budget for fiscal year 2016
• 16-55  Grant license for development of a new log cabin for South Park

 
    Although we did pass our final budget, Finance Director Linn Steward cautioned City Council and the Administration that we need to spend within our budget and that unnecessary spending should be reduced. If the city fails to do so, we may face financial consequences down the road.
 
     Also and during the last council session; we heard from a group of local organizers who are interested in changing the one-way streets downtown to a two-way street system. The organizers included local business owners and some members of local government.
 
    Being that I am an At-Large Councilmember, my duty is to represent the entire City of Mansfield. During this presentation, I pointed out the necessity for local organizers and developers to include more perspectives into their work. Without the inclusion of more women, African-American, Greek-American, and other minority business experts into our studies, research, designs, developments, etc.; we put ourselves at a disadvantage.
 
     But, Mansfield is a beautiful city full of potential and there are a number of opportunities developing. I am proud to serve as your City Council representative. I am also proud to include those who live outside of Mansfield by showing them the many gems of our city. Just last week, I took a few teachers from Wooster, on a tour to explore the arts around Mansfield. We explored the murals at the Bike Trail, the beautiful landscapes downtown and introduced them to the idea of joining the organizations around town dedicated to the arts.
 
    Many of my friends and neighbors around town are artists. I am a strong supporter of their work and efforts. There are so many Mansfielders participating in our vibrant arts community. And because of this great interest and in the months ahead, I am bringing together with the help of my colleagues and many of you, a Mansfield Commission of the Arts.
 
   It is through the creation of this commission that your local government will have an improved opportunity to apply for grants and funding for the purpose of budgeting and dedicating more of a commitment to the growth of our local arts community.
 
    It is my pleasure to work with all of you in securing the best opportunities for our great city. You are always welcomed to call me, send me a note through social media or speak at a City Council session.

                                 Let's continue Moving Opportunity Forward together. 

City Councilman At-Large, Don Bryant, will join Mansfield Mayor, Tim Theaker at the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Circle K, located at 30 East Cook Rd in Mansfield on Tuesday March 15th, 11:00 AM. 

Bryant released his statement on the grand opening saying, 

"This Circle K location serves many of the 6th and 1st ward residents and I am happy to see this business grow here in Mansfield." 

The event is open to the public. All are welcome.