ANNIE PAYNE FOR MENTOR CITY COUNCIL

Annie has championed greater transparency in Mentor Schools, ensuring parents and residents receive timely updates on decisions affecting their families. She will bring this same open and honest leadership to city council, keeping residents informed and engaged.  Annie also envisions expanding opportunities for meaningful public input, including more open forums that foster two-way conversations. These settings will empower residents to share ideas, voice concerns, and offer constructive feedback—ensuring their perspectives help shape the future of Mentor. 

Annie led efforts that saved $2.5 million by reassessing school transportation costs and improving efficiency. She will apply the same responsible financial management to city operations, ensuring your tax dollars are used wisely without unnecessary expenditures.

 Annie successfully led the initiative to hire retired police officers as School Resource Officers (SROs), enhancing security across all district facilities. Working in close collaboration with school leadership and city officials, she helped secure dual sponsorship of the recently approved School Safety Officer (SSO/SRO) contract, which is now in the final stages of a memorandum of understanding and expected to be finalized in July. This effort underscores her dedication to fostering strong partnerships and advancing effective safety strategies. Recognizing the vital role law enforcement plays in protecting the community, Annie is committed to ensuring Mentor’s safety forces are competitively compensated to attract and retain top talent. She remains focused on championing public safety initiatives that keep Mentor a secure and welcoming place for all families. 

 As part of three generations living in Mentor, Annie values strong community roots and family-centered services. She will collaborate with city council and administration to attract family-friendly small businesses that reflect the community’s values. Annie is also committed to preserving the amenities that residents have invested in through their tax dollars—ensuring families and seniors can continue to enjoy them, while keeping costs affordable for all.