ELYRIA, Ohio — The first 100 days can be vital to a new mayoral administration.
Elyria’s mayor-elect has released his plan ahead of his inauguration next month.
Frank Whitfield, 32, is a lifelong resident who is looking to take, what he says, is a different approach to the office.
“You can make the most impact when you’re able to bring people together, create a shared vision and work together to accomplish it,” he says. “City Hall is limited in what they can do, what’s really going to make the difference is when we start working together as a community.”
Whitfield plans to create several councils focused on various initiatives, including entrepreneurship, attracting new business, police and community, and preparing youth for the future.
“Automation is changing the way, the jobs of the future, retail is changing and are we preparing our young people for that,” he asks.
With Midway Mall dying, he looks forward to working with investors to attract something that will bring people to the city.
“That might not be the best place for retail anymore but logistically it’s a gold mine, it’s right there on I-80 and I-90,” he explains.
“It has the perfect logistical set up to be able to bring massive amounts of people to our city.”
Last month Whitfield won the seat against mayoral incumbent Holly Brinda.
To read Whitfield’s entire 100 day plan click here.