In mid-February, my office in partnership with Law Director John Spon, Richland County Dog Warden Dave Jordan, Humane Society agent Missy Houghton, and several concerned Mansfield residents (Linda Swisher, Angie Mayo and Linda Somers); launched an initiative to develop an anti-tethering bill for the City of Mansfield.

Bill 15-087 would enact section 505.18 of the codified ordinance. If this becomes law, it would prohibit the tethering of animals between the hours of 10pm through 6am under various circumstances city-wide; unless the animal is properly exempted.

In addition to enacting section 505.18(Fido’s Law); my office is introducing legislation to amend section 505.101 of the codified ordinance of 1997 to increase protections to companion animals.

Both pieces of legislation include specific language that would make measures more enforceable, with the broader goals being:

·       More humane treatment of animals within city limits

·       Reduction of barking complaints to the Mansfield Police Department

The legislation will come before Council for a full-vote on Tuesday, April 21, 2015. A press briefing will follow immediately upon the adjournment of Council. 



Don Bryant, Councilman At-Large
Mansfield City Council

Today, Councilman Don Bryant applauded the efforts of Mansfield Police Chief, Ken Coontz on the reduction of crime for the beginning of the 2015 year.

“Chief Coontz and the Department are working around the clock to protect the people of Mansfield and on a limited budget. They’re doing a fine job.”  

“As Chairman of the Mansfield Public Safety Committee; my goal is to help keep Mansfielders safe. Building a solid relationship with the Department and with the community is very important in this aspect. My role specifically works through the development and support of policies that promote our local and regional security and by advocating for programs that work to make Mansfield a safer and overall, a more comfortable place to live and work. It certainly helps to have a Police Department that cares.” Bryant stated.

The 1st quarter report accounted for the first three months of 2015 and was released by the Mansfield Police Department on Wednesday, April 15th. The total calls for service and crime statistics during the three month quarter revealed a 9.4% reduction of crime in comparison to the 2014 1st quarter report.

The number of criminal assaults, larcenies and auto thefts; all decreased compared to 1st quarter reports from the previous 2014 year.  

Fellow Mansfielders--

Through yesterday’s Unity in the Community March & Rally; we sent a powerful message to the world that we will not tolerate violence in our great city. Thanks to the initial efforts of Mansfield news anchor Brigitte Coles, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Derek Williams and Mansfield Police Department Chief Ken Coontz; the Unity in the Community march & rally were a success.

Present at yesterday’s march were 507 dedicated and concerned Richland County citizens.  I am proud to be part of Mend Mansfield and I am extending the invitation to you as well.

Join us for future events such as the Each One, Reach One rally taking place this August 2015 right before the beginning of the next school year.  Each One, Reach One will focus on our youth and getting them involved in meaningful activities and connecting them to programs in the community that will make a difference in their lives. For more information on how to join the Mend Mansfield Coalition or for information on the Each One, Reach One rally in August; contact Dr. Williams at (419) 524-7993.

Lastly, I want to take the time to ask each and every one of you to come out to vote for the May 5th Primary. My role as Councilman At-Large is focused on improving the quality of life for all Mansfielders and with my first 100 days in office approaching; I have already accomplished several of my goals for the 2015 year. The first, is my creation the first-ever Mansfield City Council Internship Program and the second is the development of Mansfield’s Anti-Tethering Ordinance (Fido’s Law). Moreover, I have proven myself to be an active and dedicated member of the Mansfield Community.

There are many opportunities available in our city, state and around the world. We just need someone to help bring these opportunities home to the people in Mansfield. I am committed to doing just that. Vote BRYANT for Council At-Large and I will continue working around the clock to Move Opportunity Forward for the people of Mansfield. 

You can help by making a contribution of $25, $15 or even $10 today by clicking below or by visiting www.donbryant.com and clicking the Donate button.  You can also sign-up to volunteer by visiting www.donbryant.com/volunteer.

Again, thank you for your efforts in making the Unity in the Community March & Rally a success!

Don Bryant, Councilman At-Large; Chairman of the Mansfield Safety Committee