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Mary Graves (Ashtabula City Council Fifth Ward, Ohio, candidate 2025)
Mary Graves (Democratic Party) is running for election to Ashtabula City Council Fifth Ward in Ohio on November 4, 2025.[1]
Elections
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Mary Graves completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Graves' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I was born in Ohio and have lived in Ashtabula for near 18 years. I have been on non profit boards and on the cities Park and Recreation board over these years. I am Leader Certified through the YMCA.
- Helping the unhoused find housing. Within 18 months of being in a housing program: Lowers emergency room visits by 80% Reduces number of jail days by 130% Reduces probability of committing a crime by 80% Increases the probability of reporting employment by 24% How to accomplish this? Grants Use cities land bank Start small with small housing from Amazon ($7,000 per unit). A Day Center for unhoused is being discussed at the city level. I have been unhoused before and understand the needs and wants of the unhoused.
- Quality of life for youth and seniors. I would love to see a skateboard park. A cloth shield for playgrounds. Senior sitting places. Turn pig iron plant space into green space. Walking path. City park levy money to help pay.
- Small and large businesses. Continue to invite businesses to city. Ask they get resources from local sources before seeking from other states.
No, prior experience in government or politics is not always necessary for city council members. In fact, individuals with diverse backgrounds—such as business owners, educators, community leaders, or activists—can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Their lived experiences often provide valuable insights into the challenges and needs of the community.
What matters more is a commitment to public service, a willingness to learn, and the ability to collaborate effectively. City councils benefit when members represent the diversity of their communities and bring practical problem-solving skills to the table. Fresh voices can challenge the status quo and advocate for underrepresented groups, fostering a more inclusive and responsive local government.
The city council is a unique and vital part of local government due to its direct connection to the community and its role in shaping the daily lives of residents. Key qualities that make it distinct include:
1. Proximity to the People: City councils are the most accessible level of government, allowing residents to voice concerns, propose changes, and influence decisions that directly affect their neighborhoods.
2. Legislative Power: Councils create local laws, ordinances, and policies that address specific community needs, from zoning regulations to public safety initiatives.
3. Resource Allocation: City councils manage budgets and determine how local tax revenues are spent, deciding funding priorities for services like education, public transportation, parks, and infrastructure.
4. Representation of Diverse Interests: Council members often represent specific districts or wards, ensuring that different neighborhoods and communities have a voice in local government.
5. Flexibility and Innovation: Unlike higher levels of government, city councils can respond quickly to emerging issues, tailoring solutions to their unique communities.
6. Oversight and Accountability: They provide oversight of city departments, ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and transparently while holding officials accountable.
7. Advocacy for Local Issues: City councils advocate for their communities at the state and federal levels, influencing broader policies that affect their city.
The city council’s blend of legislative authority, direct accountability, and close community ties makes it a cornerstone of effective and responsive local governance.
Kamala Harris exemplifies several leadership qualities that make her a commendable role model:
1. Resilience: Throughout her career, Harris has faced and overcome numerous challenges, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her goals and responsibilities. For instance, after her vice-presidential term, she hinted at future political ambitions, stating she is not stepping down quietly.
2. Trailblazing Spirit: As the first female, Black, and person of South Asian descent to serve as Vice President of the United States, Harris has broken significant barriers, paving the way for more inclusive representation in politics.
3. Advocacy for Equity: Harris has consistently championed issues like migration, abortion rights, and maternal health, reflecting her dedication to social justice and equity.
4. Adaptability: Facing both achievements and setbacks, Harris has shown the ability to navigate complex political landscapes and adapt her strategies accordingly. Despite electoral losses, she continues to explore avenues to serve and impact society positively.
Emulating these qualities can inspire individuals to pursue leadership roles with determination, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to public service.
To be a successful officeholder, key qualities include:
1. Strong Communication Skills: Being able to listen to constituents, convey ideas clearly, and foster dialogue is crucial for building trust and addressing community concerns.
2. Empathy: Understanding the diverse needs and challenges of the community allows for the creation of inclusive and equitable policies.
3. Integrity: Acting with honesty and prioritizing the public’s best interests builds credibility and fosters trust.
4. Problem-Solving Abilities: Analyzing complex issues and crafting effective solutions is critical for addressing challenges and advancing community goals.
5. Collaboration: Working with fellow officials, stakeholders, and community members to find common ground and achieve shared objectives is essential.
6. Commitment to Public Service: A genuine desire to serve the community ensures decisions are made for the greater good.
7. Adaptability: Navigating change and responding to unexpected challenges with resilience and creativity is vital in any leadership role.
8. Accountability: Being transparent and taking responsibility for actions and decisions demonstrates strong leadership and builds public trust.
These qualities not only contribute to effective governance but also help foster meaningful connections with the people being served.
Holders of city council office benefit from a variety of skills and expertise to effectively serve their communities. Some of the most helpful include:
1. Communication Skills: The ability to listen actively, communicate clearly, and engage with constituents is vital for understanding community needs and building trust.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: City council members must analyze complex issues, weigh competing interests, and make decisions that benefit the majority while addressing long-term goals.
3. Budgeting and Financial Literacy: Understanding municipal budgets and financial management ensures effective oversight of public funds and helps prioritize spending.
4. Collaboration and Negotiation: Building consensus with other council members, community groups, and stakeholders is essential for passing policies and initiatives.
5. Knowledge of Local Issues: Familiarity with housing, transportation, public safety, and environmental challenges enables council members to address their community's unique needs.
6. Leadership and Advocacy: Strong leadership inspires community confidence, while advocacy ensures residents' voices are heard at all levels of government.
7. Organizational and Time Management Skills: Balancing meetings, public events, and constituent outreach requires effective planning and prioritization.
8. Empathy and Cultural Awareness: Understanding the diverse perspectives and experiences within the community fosters inclusive decision-making and equitable policy development.
While expertise in government is helpful, these transferable skills often come from varied professional and personal experiences, making city council accessible to people from all walks of life.
I’d like my legacy to be about helping others feel empowered, informed, and inspired. I want to be remembered as a tool that made complex ideas simpler, sparked curiosity, and supported people in their personal and professional growth.
Elected officials should embody certain characteristics and principles that enable them to lead effectively, serve their constituents, and uphold the integrity of their office. Some of the most important include:
1. Integrity: Acting ethically and honestly is essential to building trust with the public and ensuring decisions are made for the greater good, not personal gain.
2. Transparency: Being open about decision-making processes and sharing information fosters accountability and keeps constituents informed.
3. Empathy: Understanding and valuing the diverse perspectives and experiences of constituents allows officials to create inclusive and equitable policies.
4. Commitment to Public Service: A genuine dedication to improving the community ensures that the official’s work is driven by a sense of duty rather than self-interest.
5. Accountability: Taking responsibility for decisions and actions demonstrates leadership and builds trust, even in challenging situations.
6. Strong Communication Skills: The ability to listen actively and convey ideas clearly helps foster dialogue, resolve conflicts, and build consensus.
7. Collaboration: Working effectively with other officials, community leaders, and stakeholders is key to addressing complex issues and achieving shared goals.
8. Resilience and Adaptability: The ability to navigate challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and remain focused on long-term objectives is critical for effective leadership.
9. Vision: Elected officials should have a clear understanding of their community's needs and aspirations, coupled with the ability to craft policies that lead to sustainable progress.
10. Fairness and Impartiality: Treating all constituents equally, regardless of background or political affiliation, ensures just representation and fosters unity.
By adhering to these principles, elected officials can inspire confidence, effectively serve their communities, and leave a lasting positive impact.
The core responsibilities of a city council member revolve around representing their community, shaping local policies, and ensuring the efficient functioning of the city. Key responsibilities include:
1. Legislating Local Policies: City council members create and amend ordinances that address community needs, such as public safety, housing, transportation, and environmental issues.
2. Approving the Budget: They oversee the allocation of city funds, ensuring that tax dollars are spent responsibly on essential services like schools, infrastructure, and emergency services.
3. Representing Constituents: A key responsibility is listening to residents' concerns, addressing their issues, and advocating for their needs within the council and beyond.
4. Overseeing City Operations: Council members monitor city departments, ensuring they operate effectively, efficiently, and transparently.
5. Strategic Planning: They help set long-term goals for the city, such as economic development, sustainability initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.
6. Engaging with the Community: City council members attend public meetings, forums, and events to maintain a strong connection with residents and keep them informed.
7. Collaborating with Other Officials: They work with mayors, city managers, and other stakeholders to address challenges and advance community priorities.
8. Advocating for the City: Council members often serve as the city’s voice at state and federal levels, securing funding and promoting policies that benefit their community.
By balancing these responsibilities, city council members play a crucial role in shaping the quality of life for their constituents and ensuring their city thrives.
I am passionate about the unhoused and making the quality of life in our city better.
Financial transparency and government accountability are essential pillars of a healthy democracy. They foster trust between the government and the people, ensure ethical practices, and allow residents to see how public funds are managed and decisions are made. Here's why they matter:
1. Building Public Trust: When governments are transparent, citizens are more likely to trust that their leaders are acting in their best interest. This trust strengthens civic engagement and participation.
2. Preventing Corruption: Clear reporting and accountability mechanisms discourage misuse of funds or power by making unethical behavior easier to detect and address.
3. Efficient Use of Resources: Transparency ensures that public funds are spent wisely and effectively, helping communities get the most value from their tax dollars.
4. Informed Decision-Making: Citizens have the right to understand how policies are crafted and budgets are allocated. This knowledge empowers them to provide meaningful feedback and advocate for their priorities.
5. Responsiveness: Governments that are open and accountable are better able to identify and respond to community needs, creating policies that reflect the will of the people.
6. Long-Term Stability: Transparent and accountable governance promotes sustainable development, as communities are more likely to support initiatives when they can see the benefits clearly.
Ultimately, financial transparency and accountability are not just ideals—they are practical tools for creating fair, efficient, and responsive governments that serve their people effectively.
This office is a vital part of the state government and legal system, ensuring fairness, justice, and accountability. It provides access to legal representation for all individuals, especially marginalized communities, helping bridge the gap in our justice system. It serves as a voice for public welfare, advocating for policies that prioritize social justice, healthcare, housing, and criminal justice reform—key issues for a compassionate Democrat.
The office also upholds transparency and accountability, ensuring that public officials are held responsible for their actions, which builds trust in government. It plays a central role in promoting equality by protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, fighting discrimination, and working to dismantle systemic barriers in law enforcement and public policy.
In addition, this office advocates for criminal justice reform, focusing on rehabilitation over punishment and alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenses. It also provides critical community outreach and education, ensuring residents understand their rights and can engage fully in the democratic process.
By balancing public safety with individual rights, this office ensures that policies are both effective and just, creating a safer, more equitable society for all. Its role is essential in championing the values of fairness, compassion, and equality within our state government and legal system.
City councils often have lesser-known powers and responsibilities that significantly impact local communities. Here are a few:
1. Land Use and Zoning: Beyond approving development projects, city councils shape how land is used through zoning laws. This influences housing availability, business locations, and environmental preservation.
2. Budget Oversight: City councils often control how local tax revenue is allocated. They can direct funding toward public safety, infrastructure, parks, or social programs, profoundly affecting daily life.
3. Local Ordinances: Councils can pass regulations on issues like noise, street parking, short-term rentals, or environmental initiatives, which directly affect residents' quality of life.
4. Appointing Officials: Many councils appoint members to boards and commissions that oversee public utilities, transportation, or redevelopment, giving them indirect influence over these sectors.
5. Advocacy: City councils can lobby state or federal governments on behalf of their communities, shaping broader policies that address local concerns.
6. Emergency Powers: During crises, city councils may have expanded roles, such as allocating emergency funds or enacting temporary measures like curfews or public health policies.
Understanding these powers helps residents hold their city councils accountable and advocate for issues that matter most locally.
Burger King. I held the job for 2 years.
Ashtabula County Democratic Party
Dark Horse by Katy Perry.
"Things in the Basement" by Ben Hatke is a graphic novel about a young boy named Milo who discovers a portal to another world in his basement. This adventure leads him through a labyrinthine underworld filled with strange creatures.
Mental health.
There are too many.
I would recommend a combination of works that emphasize justice, equality, and compassionate governance. Here are a few options across different mediums:
1. Book: "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama This memoir and political manifesto is a thoughtful exploration of progressive ideals, emphasizing unity, social justice, and the importance of building a government that works for everyone. Obama's reflections on policy and leadership resonate with a compassionate, pragmatic approach to governance.
2. Essay: "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr. This powerful letter written by Dr. King offers a compelling argument for nonviolent resistance to injustice and the need for direct action in the fight for civil rights. It stresses moral responsibility and the urgency of standing up against inequality, core values for a compassionate political philosophy.
3. Film: "Selma" (2014) This film tells the story of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches, illustrating the power of grassroots activism and the importance of fighting for equality and justice. It’s a poignant reminder of how systemic change is achieved through perseverance and solidarity.
4. Book: "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander This book critiques the criminal justice system and its racial inequities, providing a deep understanding of how systemic racism persists in modern-day America. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to understand the intersections of race, law, and justice in shaping policies that promote equality.
5. Film: "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006) This film, starring Will Smith, highlights themes of perseverance, hope, and social mobility. It’s a personal story that underscores the importance of fighting for opportunity and fairness in the face of adversity—values aligned with a compassionate and just political philosophy.
The announcement of AIDS when I was 8 years old.
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External links
[1] ↑ Submitted to Ballotpedia's candidate survey in 2025.
