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:
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
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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 Fellow Citizens:
As Councilman At-Large and Chair of the Mansfield Safety Committee; one of my most important priorities is focused on keeping Mansfielders safe. I have full confidence in the abilities and skills of our safety forces. I want to make it clear that I stand behind our police officers and firefighters. Every day, these brave men and women risk their lives to protect ours. Recently, our city has experienced an increased amount of violence that has made many people think about the direction we’re moving. However, we are lucky to have a highly-prepared safety force that is able and willing to work with the community on critical safety issues such as the ones that have taken place recently. Today, I talked with the Chief and Assistant Chief of the Mansfield Police Department, Clergy members, several community leaders, and other city officials at a public forum to address the violence in the Mansfield community. Together, we decided to move forward with a bold display of action. An action that says this type of violence is unacceptable. A Mansfield Non-Violence Unity in the Community Rally will take placenext Saturday, April 11 at 343 N. Main Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44902. The event will begin at 12 pm (noon). Everyone is invited. Together we are stronger and we will move forward toward a safer Mansfield community. Don Bryant P.S. Early voting begins April 7th! Please consider contributing to my campaign. Your checks of $100, $50, and $25 will help purchase important campaign advertising and signage. To contribute, send your checks to: The Bryant Committee P.O. Box 991 Mansfield, OH 44901 Join the Campaign www.donbryant.com www.facebook.com/bryantforohio Paid for by The Bryant Committee Rev. Dr. Derek J. Williams, Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, is hosting a Town Hall meeting focusing on Public Safety and the 2015 Safety Levy Renewal. Representatives from the Fire and Police department and city officials will be on hand. The town hall takes place on Thursday April 2, 2015, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in the Robinson Fellowship Hall 343 North Main Street Mansfield Ohio 44902. All are welcomed to attend. Members of the Mansfield Airport Commission met on Thursday to discuss airport operations and projects as well as planning for the 6th annual Mansfield Airport Day. Commission members expressed excitement for the upcoming Airport Day celebration, “There will be activities for the entire community” said Airport Day Committee Chairman William Schmidt. Airport Day will focus this year on bringing attention to the numerous aviation opportunities at Lahm Airport; particularly the 179th Air Guard. Also showcased are SWAT, the Ohio Special Response group, Mansfield Fire & EMT, Red Cross, 200th Red Horse Squadron, Police Explorers, Area Aviation Clubs, Civil Air Patrol, OSU Flight Training, Med Flight and other air & Safety groups. Mansfield City Councilman At-Large and Chairman of the Mansfield Airport Committee, Don Bryant, expressed his support for commission projects. “July 4th in Mansfield will move forward with a family fun celebration and I am pleased with the development of Mansfield’s Airport Day.” “As the youngest City Councilman At-Large in this city’s history, I am presented with a unique opportunity to represent a voice and perspective that has been fighting for a seat at the table for a while now. This voice is that of my generation, the Millennials. We want to be involved in the planning of more activities in Mansfield and more importantly, activities that represent our interests. I think Mansfield Airport Day is great for families. Young people are really going to enjoy this.” Bryant stated. Also discussed at the meeting were upcoming projects and operations. Present at the Commission meeting was a representative from the Federal Aviation Administration, who discussed the rehabilitation of Runway 5-23 and the demolition of Taxiway ‘Charlie.’ Due to FAA standards, Commission members agreed that Charlie had to go. But, not without some regrets. Members see Charlie as a unique benefit and convenience for pilots. Charlie provides extra space for maneuvering and taxying aircrafts once they land. City Council recently approved the Runway 5-23 Improvement Project. The total cost to remove Charlie as well as to resurface runway 5-23 is around $5,927,453. However, City Engineer and Department Manager, Robert Bianchi, said that his department will fund the majority of the project from grants and from Federal and State dollars. The total local taxpayer dollars that will be spent on this project is approximately $8,605. 18 year-old Ohio State University student, Ryan Gertz has been selected as an intern with Councilman Don Bryant's office in Mansfield. Gertz who is from the Cleveland area, says interning is a great opportunity to learn more about local government and to get an idea of what politics is about. Councilman Bryant said he selected Gertz because of his enthusiasm and determination to learn about government. " I am a teacher and to see someone who wants to learn more about their government is very exciting to me. I started as an intern nearly 9-years ago and one of my legislative goals is to help train the next generation of young people to become leaders. We will need them soon enough" Bryant stated. Gertz is participating in the first-ever Mansfield City Council Internship Program (CCIP). The program is geared to last 8-9 weeks and will provide interns with at least 12-18 hours of real-world experience in local government and exposure to legislative politics. "This is actually Ryan's third week with me. He usually meets with me 2-hours each week. So far, Ryan has been to several meetings with me and has reviewed two big constituent cases I've been working on. He's already interacted with the Mayor, Law Director, Safety Service Director and most of the city department heads." Gertz, a business/marketing major; says he's not yet clear on what career he's leaning on. Whatever career he chooses, he's off to a good start. Fellow Citizens, It is my goal as Councilman At-Large to work toward ensuring our local community progresses through smarter and more efficient policy that focuses on strengthening opportunities for all people and delivering quality services. Illuminating the 'Mansfield Potential' is a key factor toward our future growth as a city. Through an external lens, the agenda outlined below will show a Mansfield where people can work, live and prepare a better future for themselves and for their families. It is my belief that opportunity doesn't just happen. We have to go out there and get it. And to get opportunity, we have to set conditions that are in alignment with the 21st century economy. If we want to successfully compete in this competitive global economy, then we must start today or we lose out on tomorrow. Below is my 2015 Legislative Agenda toward a 'Mansfield Ready' for Quality Opportunities. This is a public document released on behalf of the Office of City Councilman Don Bryant. This agenda responds to the state of local government administration of the City of Mansfield, Ohio and proposes recommendations for attracting and sustaining improved economic conditions and opportunities. This agenda was developed in direct correlation to the concerns and situations of citizens living in the City of Mansfield, Ohio and based upon consultations with several local agencies and from information acquired through a variety of sources including: surveys, interviews and professional research studies. Councilman Bryant regularly invites individuals and groups throughout the City of Mansfield to address City Council for the purpose of providing updates or other information relevant to the development and improvement of city operations. To get involved e-mail:db@donbryant.com or call 419-971-3662
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(Archive) City CouncilOffice Notes Welcome to my office blog. This is a public blog geared toward keeping the public informed on my office activities around the Mansfield community. There are many contributors to my blog including interns, office volunteers and correspondents.
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