LIMA — Two candidates are running for city council president. First Ward Council Member Todd Gordon and Fifth Ward Council Member Jamie Dixon.
Current President John Nixon announced his resignation in November of 2022 giving another member of council the opportunity to lead. Gordon and Dixon both joined the council with the hope of making a difference in their community.
Background of candidates
Dixon has resided on the city council for five years. He works full-time as the Assistant Director of Housing Operations for LightHouse Behavioral Health Solutions.
“I have a master’s degree in business management with a concentration in public administration,” Dixon said. “I understand the way the government runs and operates. I understand the business aspect of the financials. Serving on the council has also given me an understanding of small-town government.”
Dixon also shared that his work background provided hands-on learning that a textbook could not.
Gordon has resided on the city council for 10 years. He said he is on the Regional Planning Commission Community Development Committee. He is retired from the Department of Corrections after working for 31 years.
“I was the union president for some time,” Gordon said. “Sometimes unions and management do not get along. I decided I wanted to work together with the management and that worked well — we stomped out a lot of the messy paperwork and bad relationships.”
Gordon said his role as president of other organizations aided in teaching him how to lead.
Reasons for running
Each candidate has had experience sitting on the city council. Dixon and Gordon shared why they are running and what they hope to see change.
“The reason why I’m running for council (president) is because I want to continue to serve,” Dixon said. “I want to serve in the capacity of being the leader of the council — I believe that I can bring innovative and practical solutions to new and old problems.”
Dixon said he would also like to bridge the gap between generations of people within the city.
“I would really like to see the culture of our community change,” Gordon said. “We are working on it. Mayor Smith is doing a very good job of making downtown better, as did Mayor Berger. I want to see the neighborhood improve — as far as the culture goes I think the leaders kind of set that culture.”
Gordon also said people must believe in the good that is changing in the city.
Goals upon election
Upon election, the candidates hope to implement change in various ways including improvements to infrastructure.
“I would like to strengthen our Lima pride,” Dixon said. “For so long we have taken a set of dollars and honed it into the downtown area. We have taken private and public dollars and poured millions — now it is time to take care of our neighborhoods. If the neighborhoods thrive, then the individuals from those neighborhoods can continue to patronize the downtown.”
Similarly, Gordon shared hopes to enhance the city.
“Some of the basic things we need are improvements in streets and sidewalks,” Gordon said. “Big projects including the roundabouts on Thayer Road come from regional planning through the federal government. I would like to see some of that brought into our neighborhoods.”
Hopes as president
In just a couple of weeks, the council will have a new president after 20 years. The candidates shared what they hope to bring if chosen to lead.
“I want to bring a fresh breath to our community,” Dixon said. “I want generations after me to know that it is possible to hold leadership positions in our community. I want them to know they can build a community that reflects what they want to see for the future.”
“I would like to try and unite people,” Gordon said. “I do not mean that everyone agrees or disagrees — it is okay to have a difference of opinion. As president, I think we can get more done by working in a calm manner and working with instead of against.”
Early voting began Oct. 11. Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
