Two council members seek Troy mayor’s seat

Two experienced Troy City Council members are facing off in the race for the mayor’s office.

Tom Kendall and Robin Oda are Republican candidates on the May 7 ballot. No Democrat filed for the position that now is held by Mike Beamish, who is retiring at year’s end after 16 years in the mayor’s chair.

The position has an annual salary of $23,580.

Kendall, a Troy native, is in his 14th year as a member of council, representing the 1st Ward. Oda, a city resident 22 years, is in her eighth year as an at-large council member. Council terms are for two years, while the term for mayor is four years.

“I want to be mayor because I have the education, business experience and people skills to lead Troy for the next four years, continuing down a positive path of growth, financial stability and the ability to establish confidence back into city government,” said Kendall.

“I’m running for mayor because it gives me an opportunity to bring a fresh approach to the city of Troy and a different tone to its leadership,” said Oda.

Kendall worked more than 40 years in the international aerospace industry, holding management positions at Hobart Brothers, Goodrich, Honeywell and Leonardo. He holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Kentucky and master’s from Central Michigan University.

Oda said she completed some college before choosing a family path.

“My heart was always to be a wife and mother. After completing two years of college, I did just that, and haven’t looked back,” she said.

Kendall said his top priority would be to keep the small, hometown feel of Troy.

“I want my grandchildren to want to come back to Troy to live after college, service or whatever may take them away. I will do all that I can to control Troy’s growth with the right companies,” he said.

“I will assure that our community remains a safe place to live with more than adequate police, fire and EMT protection,” Kendall said.

Oda’s top priority would be establishing a city government that communicates well with citizens.

“I think the speaking well includes improving our social media sites and using tools like Ohio’s Checkbook. Speaking well also includes honest and open conversations and, I hope, establishing a community feedback system that’s not such a ‘speak and be ignored process’ that so many feel is the current system,” Oda said.

Both candidates said they’d like to see more vehicles for input.

Kendall said he’d have quarterly meetings to hear community issues and concerns and would re-establish a mayor’s advisory council.

“I bring to the position a passion for Troy and the desire for success. I bring a love and respect for our community,” he said.

Oda said it’s important to bring in all voices but also work toward getting things done.

“I’d like to be able to have an honest conversation about any issue that comes up, apply some common sense to it, ask some questions, listen to the department heads and residents and then let’s move forward.

For more information on the campaigns of the candidates for Troy mayor, visit tomkendallformayor.com and robinoda.com.

Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com

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