As a lifelong resident of Delaware, Sarah R. JanTausch is running to represent the same neighborhood where she was raised and still lives. Her passion for public service began in middle school and she has been active in political and civic organizations ever since. Her work in social services supports victims of domestic violence and allows Sarah to live her values. With a commitment to positive, productive, and responsible growth, she is planning to lead her city to be among the Midwest’s best.

Meet the Candidate

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

I first became interested in politics in jr. high school. My parents started talking to me about national events around the same time. I ran for student council at the age of 12 and then spent four years on the City of Delaware’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board as the student representative in high school. Before I could vote, I volunteered on campaigns and worked as a poll worker. When my current city councilman announced he was not running for re-election, I saw this as an opportunity to bring my experience and knowledge of policy making to the city council chambers and work to ensure that our City Council has more equal representation. As a lifelong resident of the ward where I am running, I have witnessed the growth and changes that our community has gone through. Delaware has many opportunities as well as challenges as a result of our growth and my vision as city councilor involves working collaboratively to ensure that our city’s policy will keep our city safe, our community thriving, and our town poised for the future. 

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

There are countless teachers, mentors, and leaders that I have looked to and learned from about strength, leadership, and inspiration. However, it is my grandparents who have helped set the tone for my dedication to service and my desire to become a leader. My (paternal) grandmother served her community on her local city council and other committees when women were much less prevalent in positions of leadership. My (maternal) grandparents were both leaders in their own ways. My grandfather served in the U.S. Navy where he received the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Koren Service Medal, and the United National Medal for his military service and he also served his local community in efforts to establish Victorian Village. My (maternal) grandmother was a leader on numerous local committees, PTA organizations, and their church. Sadly, we lost my (maternal) grandfather in September 2019. My grandparents’ dedication to serving others has had a tremendous influence in my life and my desire to serve. 

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 service to my community began at a young age and each of those experiences giving back to my community have developed a duty in my heart to always be looking for ways to serve others. Whether that be sorting clothes at a local not-for-profit that shares these items freely or working to bring the first domestic violence shelter to my hometown of Delaware. Serving others has allowed me to listen and learn about people from all walks of life. While working in state government, I had the opportunity to lead several programs and projects. Some of these projects helped award funds to public schools and teachers in Ohio to increase access for students to technology and learning opportunities. Other initiatives that I worked on assessed the impact of regulations on individuals and businesses in Ohio, while ensuring that government was seeking enough public opinion and stakeholder outreach before finalizing rule and law.  These experiences have taught me to listen earnestly, be humble, generous, passionate, to do my research, treat all people equally, to be a fighter for what is right, and to be a leader even if I am not in a position of power. 

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?

The Matriots PAC is well on its way to meeting this goal and I have no doubt we will see 50% representation! In my community, by 2028, I’d like to see equal representation for our community, as well as, a community that is working together to solve our most pressing problems. This means elected leadership working with all sectors of the community and addressing problems head on to ensure that our town is the best place to live, work, raise a family, or any combination of those things.  

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

Delaware’s greatest challenges are related to infrastructure and our growth. Balancing our history dating back to our founding in 1808 with our increased growth will be vital to keeping our community strong. Since the year 2000, Delaware county has grown at a rate of 92% since 2000, compared to 2.8% for the entire state of Ohio. The City of Delaware is uniquely positioned between several major state routes and in a key part of Ohio. With these factors, we have become a City with many opportunities, but as a result of that growth, we also have challenges that need addressed. I want to ensure that we are planning for our future, collaborating with community partners, and working together to ensure our town is promoted, protected, and prosperous. Through respect for the history and tradition of Delaware combined with thoughtful, strategic, and proactive policy-making, I believe Delaware can be one of the best towns in the midwest. 

Tell us something personal about yourself.

I am an avid bourbon enthusiast and beginning collector. When my husband and I have a free weekend in the fall our favorite place to visit is bourbon country. Early fall is the best time to go because the rick houses (where they store the bourbon in barrels) have a lovely oaky bourbon smell that wafts through the air. It’s not even a half day drive from where we live in the center of Ohio. As of last year, we have completed almost all of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and over half of the craft distillery trail, but most of the time when we are down there we are off of the beaten path seeking out distilleries new and old.