Ra’Cole Taltoan is committed to her ward and her community of Youngstown, Ohio. From attending board of education meetings to resident’s councils, Ra’Cole is deeply involved and participative in the legislative process. A former AmeriCorps Vista member, if elected Ra’Cole will work to provide economic security for women and to facilitate effective change in her community.

The responsibilities of city council members include: 

• Establishing policies for effective delivery of municipal services like trash collection, water, and snow removal services.
• Adopting annual city budgets and legislation to address key issues in their community. 
• Approving the use and sale of city owned property. 

Facebook

Meet the Candidate

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

I have no political experience going into this race. I decided to run for office because of pure passion. As an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer I discovered that there were many factors that our city was missing when it comes to quality of life. I feel the community in which I live is often ignored and not heard. We have lost at least 80% of our businesses. We have no access to healthy food, our nearest grocery store that sells good quality of food is at least 15 minutes away. Something must be done and I decided to run because I can make a difference with seat on our city council.

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

My mother has been my greatest inspiration. She taught me resilience, understanding, how to remain calm under pressure, all while maintaining a positive attitude. She allowed me to be myself with correction (harsh at times), be creative, and taught me that you can’t work in fear. You must stand firm in your beliefs at all costs.

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?

My life and experiences both taught me valuable life lessons such as never fail to try more, walk your own path, set goals and achieve them, and the most important, make every moment count. These lessons are valuable to me because it has allowed me and my business to grow. I’ve shared my experiences with other women entrepreneurs who have grown and changed their quality of life.

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 for my community involves inclusion for all people with no regard to race, gender, age, or financial status. I intend to convene the appropriate principals to bring sustainable, new age affordable housing to the 2nd Ward. I have a plan to ensure that government, contractors, and builders will work together to achieve this goal. Increase revenue generating business, which includes a grocery store that will allow our residents to have access to good quality food.

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

Top two issues my community face are access to healthy food and employment/entrepreneurial opportunities.

Tell us something personal about yourself.

My favorite movie is Finding Nemo because it taught perseverance. Two fish who were on a mission and didn’t let any setbacks get in the way.