Mansfield city councilwoman announces resignation, set to leave Sept. 30

Stephanie Zader dropped a bombshell at the end of Tuesday night's Mansfield City Council meeting, announcing her resignation, effective Sept. 30.

Zader, a Republican, has been an at-large councilwoman since being appointed in January 2021. She has been perhaps the most outspoken council member during her tenure.

In reading a prepared statement with quotes from others, Zader talked about leadership.

"Real leadership is leaders recognizing that they serve the people they lead," she said. "Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about looking after those in our charge.

"I hope the legacy I leave behind is just that."

Zader has filled a number of roles in the city, including real estate.

"One last quote: A leader is a person who takes a little more than his share of the blame and a little less than his share of the credit," she said. "In this room, I'm a councilwoman for the city of Mansfield. It's not about getting credit or a title. It's about giving a voice to the people."

Zader pledged her devotion to Mansfield.

"I will always love this city, the city I have selflessly served for over a decade in one form or another and the city that my children will continue to call home," she said.

Outside of council chambers, Zader took questions from the media. She said she has no plans to go anywhere else.

Zader also hinted at some discontent.

"I don't know that I necessarily love the direction (the city) is going," she said.

Without naming names, Zader said some elected officials don't want to work with her. She also criticized some of her colleagues for what she called "grandstanding."

"It has gotten worse recently," Zader said.

She also said there has been residual tension from her run for mayor last year.

Zader finished third in a four-person Republican primary, with current Mayor Jodie Perry winning that race and the general election.

She was firm when asked if she had any plans to return to politics.

"No, none," Zader said with a smile. "I've prided myself on not being a politician."

She said she has accomplished a "lot of little things" during her time on council. While she planned to announce her resignation at the last meeting, Zader said she wanted to see through legislation to bring marijuana dispensaries to Mansfield.

She touted the time she spent with various city departments and said the spirit of cooperation between departments is better than its been in the past.

Zader vowed to continue to devote herself to her adopted hometown.

"I don't think it takes a title to be a leader," she said. "I'm not going to stop helping."

mcaudill@gannett.com

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield city councilwoman announces resignation, set to leave Sept. 30