MOUNT VERNON – Debbie McLarnan has announced her candidacy to run for the Third Ward seat of Mount Vernon City Council. She believes, “Achieving exceptional results, takes plan of action.”
She plans to use her experience and know-how to address civic issues in the Third Ward community, as well as the entire City of Mount Vernon.
“My decision to run for council is individual, as well as a continuation of the life I have always known and the skills I acquired living well and working with the community and with my late husband, Tom,” said McLarnan. “Our citizens in Ward 3 have a variety of concerns with traffic flow and other problems. They have come to me with their frustrations, worries and concerns. I have been urged to run for City Council because I will research a problem and diligently work to find the best possible good and safe solution. I am a team player and will work well with others for the betterment of everyone. For that reason, and because I promised my Tom I would continue to do everything possible to make Mount Vernon a beautiful and safe place to live, I decided to run for City Council.”
McLarnan was awarded the American Red Cross Hero of the Year in 2013. She was also named the Ohio District 5 on Aging Advocate of the Year in 2012.
She is on the Alzheimer’s Walk Committee and helps mentor the Mount Vernon Alzheimer’s Support Group. Knox County Project Lifesaver was started through her persistent and dedicated efforts to save individuals (both adults and children) prone to wandering.
In addition, McLarnan is active in Red Cross blood drives at her church. She took training and is an active state-certified Volunteer Ombudsman for Ohio District 5 on Aging, to ensure that patients in nursing homes get the best care possible. She is also a volunteer at Knox Community Hospital. She understands and has had training in crisis management.
After completing a program in Secretarial Science at Western Kentucky University, McLarnan began her career working in the president’s office at Kenyon College, going on to Cooper Energy Services, and then working the past 15 years at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Hired initially as the campus visit coordinator and she was then transferred to MVNU Counseling & Career Services, where she worked for 12 years.
McLarnan has two children and a grandson.
McLarnan will face incumbent Republican Nancy Vail in the May primary.
