Tonight, Council wanted a town hall meeting to answer questions and to hold discussion on Fido's Law and on an amendment to a current ordinance on Cruelty to Companion Animals.

It's disappointing however, to hear the responses from my colleagues and especially certain inhumane comments made at points of the meeting.  

Both pieces of legislation were created in partnership with the people. In fact, over 80 people from Mansfield helped to shape these proposed laws (this number includes the people who signed a petition on behalf of the legislation.) 

There was a comment made during the May 5th Council session that was repeated tonight in response to a section of the Cruelty to Companion Animals legislation. The language in my proposed amendment to 505.101 reads: 

505.101 (2) B. amend. No person shall transport a companion animal in the trunk of a vehicle.

I find it appalling that an argument was made to support transporting a dog in a closed trunk of a car. 

The commenter stated, "If I want to transport a dog in the trunk of my car, then as an American, I have the right to do so." 

As citizens of the greatest country in the world; yes, we have rights. But, I cannot support holding a living pet in a closed trunk of a vehicle without sufficient oxygen. If we continue to allow this, then we may be heading down a slippery slope. If Mansfield truly wants to tolerate this kind of behavior, then I have no other option but to support the people of this great city. However, if Mansfield cares about the quality of life not only for companion animals, but for your fellow citizens who are responsible pet owners; then I am encouraging you to support my amendment to the Cruelty to Companion Animals ordinance and the enactment of Fido's Law. 

As public officials our job is to represent the people's voice. Unfortunately and because it is an election year; Council is playing party politics. And to this end, I say: good luck with that. 

On the other hand, your voice should not be rejected by your elected representatives.  

Tell your representatives: Mansfield is ready to move forward. 


-Don 

#FidosLaw
#LegislativeTownHall

When I entered my 20's ten years ago; I attended a college in Virginia 8.5 hours away from home, where I was free to make my own mistakes (like spend all of my savings on things young people do). I've had a lot of fun no doubt. But then came the time when I had too much fun and stopped going to school. After I realized what was done; it was already too late.  I spent the remainder of my days in Virginia looking for work so I could finish school.

In Sept. 2007, I had no other option but to move back home with my parents. Once I moved back to Ohio, I again, spent the majority of my time looking for work.

Because I couldn't find anything for several months; I decided to ask the new Mayor for a job. He told me that the city didn't have anything available and that's when I asked if I could work for free. After he said, yes, it was at that point that I found my second chance and created the first Mayoral Internship Program for the City of Mansfield. Also and later that year, I spent time in Washington working with Senator Sherrod Brown.

After my internship with Sen. Brown and with the Mayor’s Office; I was hired as a Legislative Aide with the Ohio House of Representatives. After my job with the House, I finished college and went on to become a teacher and to earn my Masters.

People often ask why I work so much. It's because at a few points in my life, I nearly lost everything that I loved; many things that I worked hard to earn. But more importantly, I work hard because I love what I do and want to make sure that I am getting results on behalf of the people of this great city.

Today, as Councilman At-Large; one of my greatest priorities is focused on our young people and helping to show that with determination, consistency and hard work; anything is possible.  As long as I am Councilman, I will go out there and pursue opportunities not only for our young people but for all Mansfielders. 

My campaign slogan: Moving Opportunity Forward began on day one when I took office. Since taking office 4-months ago; here are few items on what I've done thus far:

• I’ve created the first-ever Mansfield City Council Internship Program in partnership with OSU and NCSC. 

• As chairman of the public Safety Committee, I've strongly advocated for and participated in the formation of the Mend Mansfield Coalition.

• As chairman of the Airport Committee, I've begun advocacy and the pursuit for several major logistics and transportation companies. Should the people elect me on Tuesday; I will move forward toward a proposal that would enable these companies to utilize Mansfield Lahm Airport. This opportunity could significantly increase business operations in the City of Mansfield. 

As I begin GOTV operations; I am sending my final invitation to all of you to join me in these last few days. Help make phone calls, knock on doors with me; help me get people out to vote on Tuesday.

In closing  and as I approach my 30th birthday on Monday; the mistakes I made when I entered my 20’s were actually God’s way of telling me to have faith in the Lord, all things are possible. 

I truly believe that with passion, vision and with prayer; together in partnership with the people, we will MOVE OPPORTUNITY FORWARD throughout Mansfield.  


-Don

#MovingOpportunityForward 
#AmericanDream
#NeverGiveUp 
#UnityOverDivision