Her campaign indicators promise she will be a “excellent steward” of residents’ dollars.
Linn Steward has served 3 phrases as Mansfield’s finance director to back up her claim. She is a person of four Republican candidates managing in the Might 2 principal to switch Mayor Tim Theaker, who has arrived at his time period restrict.
Like Steward, Theaker is in his third expression. Also managing as Republicans are Jim Holsinger, Jodie Perry and Stephanie Zader.
Steward, 63, said her qualifications in funds will be an edge.
“Almost certainly 80% of the legislation likely through council is financial,” she stated. “I am fairly substantially an professional on the city’s finances.
“It (getting around as mayor) will be an effortless transition for me because I know all the software and have very good associations with all the division heads.”
Her business obtained an award of distinction from the condition auditor three yrs in a row. Steward mentioned that recognition is presented to only about 5% of governmental companies.
Steward reported she also would provide continuity because the city govt will look so distinct following 12 months. There also will be new finance and legislation directors, together with two new municipal courtroom judges.
A Crestline native, Steward graduated from Lucas Substantial College. She has lived in Mansfield for much more than 25 a long time.
“Both equally sides of my family came in this article in the 1800s,” Steward famous. “Most of my relatives is nonetheless below (in Richland County). We have received deep roots.”
Steward turned CPA in 1987
Steward began her occupation in finance at Campbell, Rose and Co. on Marion Avenue. She grew to become a licensed community accountant in 1987 and grew to become a partner at the organization in 2003.
“As soon as I was elected, I experienced to relinquish my partnership,” Steward explained.
When Steward was elected, the city was in fiscal emergency. Mansfield’s funds are in a strong posture now, with city council passing the 2023 spending plan final week.
“I remember what it was like to recover from that (fiscal crisis),” Steward mentioned. “I labored so difficult to get us to a good economic posture. I believe I can make a big variation (as mayor).”
As finance director, Steward explained she has labored throughout celebration traces for the past 12 several years, noting the chair of the finance committee throughout her tenure has often been a Democrat.
Steward acquired her pilot’s license in 1998. A person of her marketing campaign ideas relates to Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport.
“I believe we ought to widen (Ohio) 13 to the airport,” she reported. “A single of the companies seeking to arrive here did not for the reason that of the targeted visitors flow, particularly at staff variations.”
The industrial park and Mansfield Correctional Institution are in the place.
Steward also suggests an outer belt from Ohio 13 around the town. It would eliminate the semi-tractor trailer targeted traffic that flows by downtown.
“It would be very good for organizations to have a more quickly route about the metropolis,” she reported.
Steward explained one more pressing need for Mansfield is housing.
She is a veteran of campaigns. When she ran for county auditor, she shed by only 132 votes, prompting a recount.
Steward’s first bid for finance director also resulted in a recount.
“They known as me the recount queen at the board of elections,” she joked.
Steward mentioned she is peaceful by character and likes to stay guiding the scenes.
“If I’m mayor, I want the metropolis to be in the limelight, not me,” she mentioned.
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