ANNIE PAYNE FOR MENTOR CITY COUNCIL

Annie led efforts that saved $2.5 million by identifying wasteful spending on surplus buses. She will apply the same responsible financial management to city operations, ensuring your tax dollars are used wisely without unnecessary expenditures.

 Annie is committed to preserving a responsible portion of Mentor’s financial surplus—a vital safeguard that protects residents from unexpected costs. However, she believes the current surplus exceeds what’s necessary, and that excess should be used to benefit the very people who built it. With the recent unvoted tax increase from property revaluations, families are already feeling under pressure. That’s why Annie will fight to keep city spending in check, ensure we live within our means, and respect the financial realities residents face every day. Her approach balances fiscal responsibility with a deep commitment to giving back to the community. 

She has proposed reducing garbage collection rates, shifting the majority of the cost to the city to ease household budgets. Additionally, Annie is advocating to lower fees for city amenities—like parks, pools, building rentals, and recreational programs—that taxpayers have already funded. She will push to make sure Mentor remains attractive without placing extra burdens on the people who call it home. 

Annie has championed greater transparency in Mentor Schools, ensuring parents and residents receive timely updates on decisions affecting their families. She will bring this same open and honest leadership to city council, keeping residents informed and engaged.  Annie also envisions expanding opportunities for meaningful public input, including more open forums that foster two-way conversations. These settings will empower residents to share ideas, voice concerns, and offer constructive feedback—ensuring their perspectives help shape the future of Mentor. 

 When Annie joined the school board, she identified a critical gap: not enough police officers were available to staff every school without straining city resources. In July 2022, she proposed hiring retired police officers as School Resource Officers—a fiscally responsible solution that ensured full coverage without compromising public safety. Working in close collaboration with city and school leadership, Annie helped lead the initiative to success. In July 2025, the plan was fully implemented with dual support, making Mentor’s schools safer for every student.

This milestone reflects her commitment to strategic partnerships, effective safety planning, and responsible stewardship of public resources. Recognizing the essential role law enforcement plays in protecting Mentor’s families, Annie continues to advocate for competitive compensation to attract and retain top-tier safety personnel. Her leadership remains focused on championing public safety initiatives that make Mentor a secure, welcoming community for all.

 As part of three generations living in Mentor, Annie values strong community roots and family-centered services. She will collaborate with city council and administration to attract family-friendly small businesses that reflect the community’s values. Annie is also committed to preserving the amenities that residents have invested in through their tax dollars—ensuring families and seniors can continue to enjoy them, while keeping costs affordable for all. 

Annie understands residents’ concerns about the growing number of vape shops and car washes. She supports the six-month moratorium to cease new vape shops from coming into the city, and would vote to renew it. Annie is committed to a long-term solution that reflects Mentor’s values and encourages family-friendly businesses. She also supports protecting green spaces and investing in projects like Springbrook Park that create a welcoming environment for everyone.