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MANSFIELD — Election Day is Tuesday, May 6th, and Republican voters will have their choice of either Lori Cope or Mike Miranda as their candidate for the November General Election. City Council is responsible for addressing local issues, representing the needs of the community, and implementing policies that directly impact residents’ daily lives. A week before the election, local faith leaders have made their choice on who they would like to see represent the First Ward.
“Based on a Biblical worldview, as lead clergy of 34 diverse congregations, our strong conviction is Lori Cope has the experience that will best serve in the First Ward Mansfield Council Seat for the upcoming May 6th Primary Election to advance the cause of faith, family, and freedom,” an open letter from local clergy said.
In their correspondence, the faith leaders commented about several large municipal projects and issues of morality inside the city. “The Bible says in Proverbs 19, “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the LORD’s counsel will stand,” the pastors said.
“Currently, the city is laying groundwork for a new look. The city’s water treatment plant continues to be updated. Downtown Mansfield is getting a makeover, and the Mansfield Municipal Building is also getting a multi-million-dollar renovation. With that said, a shortage of police officers persists, crimes against children continue, and the impending arrival of commercial cannabis promises to bring challenges to both public health and safety,” the clergy wrote.
Mansfield Ward 1 voted against legalizing recreational marijuana on State Issue 2 in the recent 2023 General Election. Based on Cope’s administrative experience and record against commercial cannabis, the clergy believe she is a good fit to represent Ward 1.
“Based on a Biblical worldview, as lead clergy of 34 diverse congregations, our strong conviction is Lori Cope has the experience to best serve in the First Ward Mansfield Council Seat for the upcoming May 6th Primary Election to advance the cause of faith, family, and freedom.”
Local clergy open letter
“Candidate Lori Cope has over twenty-years experience in public service, beginning as a D.A.R.E officer and concluding as City Safety-Service Director, between 2011-2021. As a Mount Vernon Nazarene graduate, Lori also owns a local Driver’s Academy small business. While inheriting a city budget in dire straits, in her role as Safety-Service Director, Lori successfully guided the city out of fiscal emergency in less than 4 years. Lori was also responsible for overseeing: Police, Fire, and 911 Communications and took part in contract negotiations with bargaining unit members,” the ministers pointed out.
“Under Lori’s leadership, every city police and fire department vehicle had a “In GOD we trust” placard displayed on the backside. This National Motto insignia was the first of its kind in the area and was later duplicated by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, along with Plymouth, Crestline, and Bellville Village Police Departments. Publicly, Lori has strongly opposed commercial cannabis coming to Mansfield, and has indicated as the next Ward 1 City Council Member, she wants to use her influence to re-establish a police officer position assigned strictly to investigate child sex crimes. Additionally, Lori has attended community prayer events and has demonstrated support for faith-based initiatives.”
The faith leaders commented, “While times are perilous, strong leadership and bold direction are needed. In the sexualized culture we live in, we declare ‘Our children are not for sale!’ Furthermore, based on merit, we support the candidacy of Lori Cope and believe she will ‘steer Mansfield in the right direction.’
“As 34 leading clergy, we encourage registered voters to show up at their polling places in person on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 and vote for Lori Cope as Ward 1 Mansfield City Council Member. According to Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
Reverend El Akuchie, who now serves as 3rd Ward Mansfield City Councilman, has also publicly endorsed Lori Cope for the Ward 1 City Council Seat.
Cope’s opponent, Michael Miranda, is originally from California and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge which is a secret society. Marijuana advocates David Falquette and Laura Burns are supporting his candidacy.
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Proverbs 29, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.”
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