Nell Reardon is a former high school social studies teacherdedicated to the community of Wooster. As a teacher Nell mentored young women and helped them realize their potential and goals. Many of Nell’s former students are now volunteering and supporting her campaign. If elected, Nell will provide equal representation on municipal commissions by appointing more women to various positions. She will also institute common sense policies to promote equal pay for women.

Meet the Candidate

Can you tell our members a little bit about your journey to filing as a candidate?

As a teacher in Wooster City Schools, I have devoted my life to empowering the young people of Wooster and bringing about positive change. After retiring in 2012, I continued to work to better the community as a trustee of the Wayne County Historical Society in charge of visitor services and educational outreach. It is this commitment to my community as well as the enthusiasm and excitement voiced by my four daughters and three granddaughters upon hearing about my potential candidacy that led me to enter the Wooster’s mayoral race. 

Tell our members about a friend or family member who inspired you to become a leader.

I come from a long line of strong women who defied convention facing and overcoming difficulties -from a great-grandmother who raised 10 children, while an invalid on crutches. To a grandmother who left an abusive husband with a young child; when that was just not done and confronted a K K K man raiding the homes of Irish Catholics only to see her neighbor under the hood as she pulled it off, to my mother who decided to be a Marine during WWII and eventually raised two daughters alone. Their legacies have always inspired me.

Some of you are military veterans, some small business owners, some professionals, some mothers and grandmothers, some homemakers. How did one of these experiences shape who you are as a person and leader?

Teachers make great leaders although we often don’t think of ourselves in that way. When I think of a leader, I think of one who has the best interests of others foremost, one who seeks to serve and work tirelessly for all, one who listens and is willing to consult expects to inform and empower others, one who can work with and for all types of people – this is what teachers do every day.

The Matriots PAC has a goal to see 50% of all elected offices in Ohio held by women by 2028. What is your vision for Ohio in 2028?

My vision of Wooster in 2018 is to:

– Have more women in leadership positions in city government (currently none of the top leadership positions are filled by women)

– Have 50% of all municipal boards and commissions filled by women (currently less than 15% are women)

–  Have quality daycare available at all major employers in Wooster

 – Have all families with children living in safe, well maintained, and affordable housing

 – Have an economically and culturally vibrant and more inclusive community

Tip O’Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” What are the top-two issues your community or our state face today?

While Wooster has great civic pride, strong schools, businesses that compete on the world stage, internationally renowned institutions of higher learning, and small businesses which enrich our community. We must build on these strengths to address our major problems such as, drug addiction and inadequate housing. These issues undermine the quality of life for all of Wooster’s citizens.

Tell us something personal about yourself.

This journey of seeking political office, has been profoundly enhanced because my oldest daughter has been with me every step of the way. We have always had a close relationship, but through this experience we have grown even closer. This campaign has provided the opportunity to see in so many different ways what a brilliant and talented women she is and I will be forever thankful.