Candidate Guide - Mason City Council - Dr. Jan Roeder

As you prepare to vote in this year's municipal elections, the Western Star compiled answers from candidates. Here are the responses as provided. All typos and grammar mistakes, if any, are in the original responses.

Headshot provided by candidate

Education: Doctor of Medicine, Pediatrics

Current employment: Retired from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Emergency Medicine Division

Office Sought: Mason City Council

Why are you the best suited for this position? (150 words)

As a doctor in the emergency department I served children and families on some of their hardest days. It required strong problem-solving skills, being a good listener and most of all compassion to be a good doctor. I have also given to my neighborhoods by serving on HOA boards for six years, two of which as HOA board president. My medical background, along with my leadership experience—particularly managing HOA budgets and addressing residents’ concerns has prepared me well to serve the city of Mason.

What are your top three areas of focus for your position?

My top three priorities as a member of Mason City Council will be pursuing smart growth and development that strengthens our community while protecting the character of our neighborhoods, investing in improvements to infrastructure, traffic flow, and parks that enhance quality of life for families and businesses, and ensuring fiscal transparency while keeping taxes low so Mason remains an affordable and well-managed city.

What specifically are you going to do for each of your top three topics? (200 words)

1. Thoughtful planning and zoning for land use and development helps maintain the aesthetics and character of established neighborhoods by reducing the negative impacts of new development. This can involve things such as, setting height or density limits, preserving historic buildings, or ensuring new projects blend with the existing environment.

2. I will work every day to take care of our streets and sidewalks and to improve traffic flow. Access to safe travel for walkers, runners, cars, bikes, wheelchairs and strollers connect us all to opportunities, and to each other. I will help move forward with parks projects such as Gould Park and with the downtown revitalization.

3.Approving and overseeing the city's budget and setting tax rates is a core function of the city council. I will assure that the city's financial data is communicated with a spirit of transparency. I support the city's Annual Financial Report, but would also suggest participation in the Ohio Checkbook program. The Ohio Checkbook is a trusted resource for Ohioans to obtain both local financial information.

If you are an incumbent, what is your best accomplishment?

If you are a challenger, what do you think needs to change from the current situation?

NOTE: This candidate is a challenger.

Mason is a wonderful city with global corporations, world-class venues and safe neighborhoods. The current city government has done a great job. However, recognizing a once in a generation opportunity to see real change in the downtown, I would take action to move forward with the downtown MADE CDC project and Gould park, improve traffic flow and support zoning that would be sympathetic to established neighborhoods.

What are your qualifications for this position? (150 words)

I bring a strong educational background, with a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree, and a Doctor of Medicine, reflecting my ability to absorb and analyze complex information. My career in pediatrics demonstrates both problem-solving skills and a heart for serving the most vulnerable. I have taken action locally by serving on Boards of Directors and in presidential roles, and I have also immersed myself in local, state, and national politics, gaining a broad understanding of the duties and responsibilities of public service.

Property tax is one of the top issues for local residents. What are your thoughts on the current property tax issues? (150 words)

Property taxes are a real burden for many Ohio families, especially seniors and those on fixed incomes. I understand the frustration that has led to citizen efforts to abolish them altogether. At the same time, we must recognize that property taxes fund essential safety services and schools, and eliminating them without a responsible replacement would create real risks for our community. Mason relies primarily on income tax for operations, but some safety services would be affected if property taxes disappeared with no alternative revenue. I believe Ohio leaders need to look closely at reform—making property taxes more predictable, fair, and limited—rather than outright elimination. Locally, I will advocate for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and ensuring residents get value for every tax dollar.

State laws often impact our county and the funding of local project depends on the state budget. What is your relationship with the local state representatives and senator? (100 words)

I have a strong relationship with Representative Adam Mathews of District 56 and with 7th District State Senator Steve Wilson. I consider both of them friends.

How have you been involved in the community outside of politics?

A number of years ago I was the creator and sole practitioner for a free well-child clinic in my hometown. I am a current member of St Susanna Church in Mason and have been a member of Toastmaster's International for 10 years.

Are you running as a slate or as a team with any of the other candidates?

No. I am endorsed by the Warren County Republican Party but I am not running with any other candidates as a team.

Is there anything else you want the voters to know about you?

I hope to win the trust of the citizens of Mason and I would be honored to win their vote for Mason City Council.