Shanette Strickland is the President of the Reynoldsburg City Council, Ohio. She was recently elected the city Auditor at the November 2025 election. Shanette Strickland spoke on her election, the City of Reynoldsburg, vision and plans with Okon Ekpenyong and Irina Perry.

City Auditor

As the newly elected City Auditor, my job is really about protecting our city’s finances and making sure everything we do is honest, transparent, and responsible. But for me, it goes deeper than numbers, it’s about people. Reynoldsburg is home to so many beautiful cultures, including our Nepalese, Bhutanese, African, and European communities. I want to make sure every resident feels included in how we manage our resources. My hope is that the work I do helps to lift up all families, no matter where they started their journey.

Reynoldsburg

One thing I love about Reynoldsburg is how diverse we are. And when you serve a diverse community, you must lead with respect and understanding.

My approach is to communicate clearly, avoid unnecessary jargon, and be present. I want families to feel comfortable asking questions and trusting the process. By working with community leaders and listening to their concerns, I hope to make auditing feel less intimidating and more accessible.

Background

My background in Information Technology and Career Tech Education taught me how to solve problems, improve systems, and meet people where they are. My time on Council as a Ward 1 Representative and Council President taught me how decisions at City Hall affect real families.

Together, those experiences help me look at things from a people-first perspective. I’m not just looking at spreadsheets, I’m thinking about how financial decisions impact parents, kids, seniors, and especially families who may still be learning how to navigate life in a new country.”

Diversity

I want our immigrant communities to know that they are seen and valued. I plan to continue to be out in the community, attending cultural events, listening, and asking how we can do better.

I’d also love to partner with community groups on financial literacy workshops or simple budget breakdown sessions. When people understand how the city uses money, they feel more connected to the decisions being made.

Economic Disparities

One of the most important responsibilities I have is helping the city see where gaps or inequities exist. If some communities aren’t getting the resources they need, that matters and the data can shine a light on that. By identifying those disparities, we create space for real conversations and real solutions. Everyone deserves a fair chance to thrive, and I want our budgeting and financial practices to reflect that.

Vision

My vision is simple: a city where people trust the process, understand how resources are being used, and feel proud of the direction we’re heading.

As City Auditor, I want to modernize our systems, strengthen our oversight, and make information easier to understand. And most importantly, I want every resident, no matter what their background is to feel like they have a place in our story.

Collaboration

Nothing meaningful gets done alone. I fully expect to work closely with the City Council, the Mayor, department heads, and community partners to make sure immigrant families are part of our planning and decision-making. Your lived experiences matter. Your perspectives matter. And I want the city’s financial priorities to reflect the diversity that makes Reynoldsburg special.

Legacies

In the long run, I want to leave behind a financial system that is stronger, more transparent, and easier for people to navigate. If years from now, families in our immigrant communities feel more informed, more empowered, and more confident that the city is working for them then I’ll feel like I did something meaningful. That’s the legacy I hope to leave.

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