Having previously served eight years on Perrysburg city council, including four years as council president, I know and understand the responsibility that comes with every vote. Residents deserve representatives who understand the legislation before them, ask questions, and commit to and explain their decisions.
The recent news reporting about Rossford councilmember Brenna Reynolds raises concerns about that responsibility. According to the report, Reynolds cast the deciding vote to approve the creation of Rossford Public Power, then reversed her vote roughly 11 minutes later, changing the outcome. Between those votes, she texted her husband that she had “panicked” and asked for advice about how to reconsider. It also leaves an important question: What made her panic, and what changed her understanding of the proposal between the two votes?
An elected official should be willing to correct a mistake. They should also go into any decision prepared, informed, and willing to listen. When they change a vote, residents deserve a clear explanation of the mistake, what prompted the correction, and why the second decision was better informed than the first.
If a council member needs procedural guidance, they should seek it openly and transparently through the officials responsible for advising council. When a member changes their vote that determines an outcome of important legislation, the public deserves to understand why, not to be left wondering what was discussed in private text messages.
Confidence in government begins with preparation, sound judgement, and accountability. Wood County residents deserve all three.
I will be voting for Ryan Lee for county commissioner.
Jonathon Smith
Former Perrysburg City Council President
