MOUNT VERNON — Voters in Mount Vernon’s 3rd Ward will have three choices for who represents them on city council.
All three are write-in candidates. No Republican or Democrat candidates filed in the May primary.
Residents are invited to attend a Candidate Conversations Q&A event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at The Woodward Opera House to learn more about the 3rd Ward candidates. The event is free to attend, but an RSVP is requested.
Live questions will not be taken from the audience. If you have a question for the candidates, email it to cheryl@knoxpages.com by Oct. 20.
To acquaint voters with the candidates prior to the Candidate Conversations, Knox Pages posed questions to the candidates via email. Below are their responses listed alphabetically.
Taylor Jacklin
•Age: 41
•Occupation: Social worker, therapist
•Education: Mount Vernon High School, 2002; B.A. Political Science from Ohio Dominican University, 2006; Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University, 2012; and Ashland University Teaching Licensure Program, 2025
•Qualifications for office: I have been a professional advocate for families and individuals. I have worked with large budget expenditures to ensure appropriate spending, and I have been responsible for a systems review for efficient and effective spending at the Central Ohio Veteran Affairs Hospital System. I acquired experience relative to the city’s EMS operations during my service as an Army medic stateside and in Iraq. I also have government experience working at the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office.
•How are you involved in the community? Recently, I helped stage, with other community organizations, a Woodward Opera House concert and educational experience raising awareness of the mental and physical health issues challenging Iraqi and Afghanistan Veterans. I also volunteer at my son’s and daughter’s school, as well as for the YMCA, coaching my son’s youth soccer team.
What prompted you to run for a council seat?
The write-in election for Third Ward City Council, technically being a non-partisan contest, is a good opportunity for an Independent voter – like myself and 67 percent of all Third Ward voters – to run for office on principles rather than party affiliation.
What are the three most significant issues facing the municipality? What will you do as a council member to address them?
I think the three most important issues facing the municipality currently are:
•First, balancing the city’s growth with retaining our small-town identity and values; this includes a focus on preserving residential neighborhoods.
•Second, especially for the Third Ward, is managing the encroachment of wildlife.
•Third, is increasing transparency and civic engagement with our legislative body.
As a council member, I would address these concerns by faithfully representing the majority opinions of Third Ward voters concerning growth, especially within our ward. With the encroaching wildlife, the city has adopted the lowest cost method for control, but also the least effective.
As the number of urban deer increases, so does the risk of car accidents and incidence of Lyme disease, and therefore the need to research and pursue more aggressive methods of control.
To improve transparency, I would advocate for dramatically diminishing the practice of legislating through emergency measures. Requiring three readings of proposed resolutions and ordinances gives residents time to consider and react, pro or con, to legislative matters before a vote is taken by council.
If extended committee meetings are needed to discuss proposed legislation more thoroughly, council members should be willing to devote the extra time to them.
If elected, what committee assignments would you seek and why?
•First: Police, Fire, and Civil Defense – I think my background, not just as a Veteran, but especially as an Army combat medic, balanced with my experience in community mental health, would be an asset to this committee.
•Second: Land Use and Development – in the last several decades, most of the controversial land development, from the Edgewood and Vernonview projects to the Knox Cattle Company Dam, has occurred in the Third Ward.
As such, I think it is appropriate for there to be representation from the Third Ward on this committee.
What differentiates you from your opponent(s)?
I do not know my opponents; therefore, I cannot speak to their policies or principles. That would be irresponsible. I will say that I have had a lifelong commitment to public service.
I have taken the Oath of Office as a federal employee and the Oath of Enlistment in the Army.
I will make the same commitment to serve the people of Mount Vernon. I will work to improve transparency within the council; to preserve the identity of the city as it grows; and to improve our infrastructure by working to ensure all residents have access to updated water and sanitation lines, and, where practical and desired, sidewalks to make every Third Ward neighborhood safe and walkable.
Finally, as the only unaffiliated, Independent candidate in the race, I believe I can provide unbiased representation to Third Ward voters and bring a breath of fresh air to our city government, which is 100% controlled by members of one political party.
Jennifer Shoman
•Age: 39
•Occupation: Identity and Access Management Specialist, Kenyon College
•Education: Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Management from Hope College
•Qualifications for office: I was raised in Mount Vernon and have proudly called the Third Ward my home since 2010. I have actively participated in numerous City Council meetings, gaining valuable insight into what it takes to serve effectively and with integrity.
I’ve also worked directly with neighbors—knocking on doors, collecting signatures, and helping place issues on the ballot—to ensure our community’s voice is heard. I am ready and able to dedicate the necessary time and effort to do the work required, and I am committed to showing up for you and our city.
•How are you involved in the community? I have been active in the community since childhood, first through youth sports, then through volunteer work with the honor society in high school, and later by returning home after college.
Mount Vernon has always been home to me; it’s where my roots are. I stay connected by living, shopping, and building strong relationships right here in our city. I’m an engaged resident who participates in City Council meetings—emailing, attending, and speaking up when key issues impact our community.
I make it a priority to voice concerns when transparency is lacking or when I feel residents aren’t being heard. To me, being involved means staying present, paying attention, and speaking up when necessary.
What prompted you to run for a council seat?
When Tammy Woods announced she was stepping down, I worried our ward might lose true representation. Tammy always voted with her constituents in mind, and it’s vital that this continues. I felt it was important to step up and give the Third Ward the opportunity to choose and express true democracy by selecting the candidate who best represents them and our community. Our community deserves a representative who understands, listens, and votes for the people.
What are the three most significant issues facing the municipality? What will you do as a council member to address them?
The three most significant issues facing Mount Vernon are growth, infrastructure, and rising costs. These challenges are deeply interconnected, and finding the right balance is essential. With major housing developments already approved, we need to ensure our city can support this growth without compromising the quality of life for current residents.
Our infrastructure—including roads, utilities, and schools—is already strained in many areas. These systems require significant upgrades before we add more pressure. At the same time, many residents are feeling the weight of increasing taxes, inflation, and rising utility costs.
As a council member, I will advocate for a thoughtful pause and comprehensive review of current and future development plans. We need to assess what’s truly necessary to meet demand—without overburdening the people who already live here. Growth must be balanced, infrastructure must be strengthened, and rising costs must be addressed with transparency and accountability.
Above all, we must protect and support current residents—not price them out or push them aside in pursuit of rapid expansion.
If elected, what committee assignments would you seek and why?
If elected, I would be happy to serve on any committee, but I am particularly interested in Planning & Zoning, Streets & Public Buildings, and Utilities. These committees are closely connected and essential for managing the city’s growth.
Serving on all three would provide an opportunity to help coordinate planning, infrastructure, and development decisions to ensure our city grows responsibly and remains a great place to live for current and future residents.
What differentiates you from your opponent(s)?
What sets me apart is that I’ve already stood up as a concerned citizen. Now, I want to take the next step, not just to speak and ask the hard questions, but to cast votes that reflect the needs and values of the people in our Ward. I’m here to represent you, not politics or any set agenda.
Greg Yashnyk
•Age: 61
•Occupation: Self-employed, consulting and direct sales
•Education: Mount Vernon High School, Ohio University, engineering
•Qualifications for office: My diverse career background spans manufacturing, engineering, operations management, materials management, purchasing, financial services, direct sales, and consulting. Over the years, I have developed a broad set of skills directly relevant to city leadership, including:
• Managing capital improvement projects
• Negotiating large purchase contracts
• Developing and balancing budgets
• Improving manufacturing and administrative processes
• Strengthening employee relations, recruiting, and training
• Advising individuals and small businesses on cost reduction, financial protection, and income generation
These experiences have shaped me into a pragmatic problem-solver who understands both the complexities of large-scale operations and the needs of everyday citizens and small businesses.
•How are you involved in the community? Over the years, I have coached and sponsored youth soccer, and been involved with 4-H, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Knox County Chamber of Commerce, and the Republican Party Central Committee
What prompted you to run for a council seat?
I believe that I bring experience and a skill set that can be an asset in addressing issues facing the city. I also bring a commitment to put the time and effort necessary to ensure effective communication between the citizens I represent and the administration.
What are the three most significant issues facing the municipality? What will you do as a council member to address them?
I believe a municipality’s primary function is to provide outstanding public safety, public services and infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner. With that being said, the three most significant issues are:
1. Traffic flow into and out of the Coshocton Avenue retail and medical services corridor. Regardless of where development occurs in the city and county, traffic in this area will continue to increase. Traffic is like water.
When obstructed, it will find the path of least resistance. We need to work together to develop and implement solutions that create access and minimize the impacts on current residents of the area.
2. The facility at 5 N. Gay has been a financial drain to the city and a public safety concern for decades. We need to quit applying band-aids and kicking the can down the road. We must find a long-term resolution to this problem to allow the city to focus on other issues in the future.
3. Property tax reform is currently a hot-button issue at the state level, and rightfully so. However, property tax revenue is a significant source of funding for municipal services.
Careless reform could have a significant negative impact on the city’s ability to provide first-class service. As a city and as individuals, we must stay in the ear of our representatives in Columbus to ensure responsible property tax reform.
If elected, what committee assignments would you seek and why?
I believe my technical background suits me for service on committees dealing with public services.
What differentiates you from your opponent(s)?
I believe my background and skill set make me uniquely suited to serve the citizens of Mount Vernon in resolving issues that are currently at the forefront.
I am also fully committed to spending whatever time and effort is necessary to ensure that there is quality communication between the citizens and the administration.
My focus is on achieving results that benefit as many of us as possible.