Endorsements
“Ray devotes his time and energies generously for the good of the Oberlin community. We are better for his service on City Council.” Mary Price, Former Member of Oberlin City Council
“Ray is probably one of the best listeners I have encountered, a talent much needed if we are to solve problems that are complex and often divisive. It is through listening to each other that we can arrive at a way forward, and Ray's interest is always in reaching a consensus that can best serve the community.” Steve Volk, Professor of History Emeritus, Oberlin College
“I have worked with Ray for the past three years to get the City's Social Equity Plan written and approved. I have witnessed Ray being a tireless advocate on behalf of the concept of equity and the impact it could have on the everyday lives of Oberlin citizens. I believe that Ray acts in the best interests of all Oberlinians and, therefore, deserves another term on Oberlin City Council.” Claudia (Watson) Jones, Member of the City of Oberlin Social Equity Working Group
"I’m voting again for Ray English for Oberlin City Council. I’ve worked with Ray for several years on various City and community endeavors. He’s committed to fairness and justice. He works passionately for important causes. Every person’s voice is important to Ray, and once he’s listened and understands, he has the ability and skill to enable diverse groups of people to successfully work together for the common good." Ralph Thompson, Oberlin Resident
“I plan to vote for Ray English for City Council because Ray does his homework. He wants to make sure that all voices are heard in a debate. He seeks out the facts and then he makes decisions based on evidence and input. This is how a democracy should work.” Cindy Frantz, Professor of Psychology, Oberlin College
“I appreciate Ray’s ongoing efforts to help business people work more effectively with the City of Oberlin. He listens carefully to concerns and he follows through. He deserves our vote”. Larry Funk, Northshore Properties
"Over the last twenty years I have known Ray English as many different people: a teacher, an employer, a mentor and a friend. In each of those capacities he has shown confidence, consideration, and compassion. He is a firm believer in the power of people working together to improve their lives. Ray English is someone who actively pursues making the world a better place. He is a leader, a communicator, and he has my vote for City Council." Joseph Maiville, Oberlin Resident
“I encourage Oberlin voters to vote for Ray English for city council. My experience with Ray has revolved around my concern, and many of my neighbors' concerns, related to the EDL plant. I have been impressed with Ray’s availability to answer questions as well as the fact he has the best interest of Oberlin residents in mind as city council works to resolve problems.” Charles Steinbrenner, Oberlin Resident
I have known Oberlin City Councilman Ray English for decades as a friend and as a fellow volunteer in a climate advocacy organization. In his volunteer work, English serves in a statewide leadership position. He has distinguished himself in this role by his thoughtful and respectful manner. He devotes himself to finding common ground with people who think differently from himself. I know him as a person who is compassionate and willing to do what it takes to create good outcomes for his community. I recommend Ray for another term on Council. John Sabin, Oberlin Resident
Ray English has my vote! I’ve worked in a variety of capacities with Ray for several years now, even prior to his Council election. We have worked on major improvement concerns that have an impact on the Southeast Quadrant and all of the City of Oberlin; such as housing, economic development, and population growth, to name a few. Ray is a man of integrity and you can trust what he says. He should be re-elected to finish the critical tasks of strategic planning and social equity in our City of Oberlin. A.G. Miller, Associate Professor of Africana Studies and Religion Emeritus, Oberlin College
“I endorse Ray English for being a true advocate for Oberlin's small businesses.” Sheree Ferrato, Verite Stained Glass
At the upcoming election, Oberlin voters will have the opportunity to re-elect an outstanding council member. I write of Ray English, who has devoted time and effort to causes that are important in Oberlin and the nation. Ray has worked for sustainable development and also for providing more affordable housing in Oberlin. He has been very active in Oberlin’s comprehensive planning process, serving as chair of the plan’s steering committee. He has also been an active member of the Social Equity Working Group. At the national level, he has spoken to congresspeople as a member of the Citizens Climate Lobby. He has shown himself to be a hard-working and well-informed member of the council throughout his previous two terms. I urge you to cast your vote for English for the sake of our city’s welfare. Kevin Weidenbaum, Oberlin resident
Ray English is one of Oberlin's greatest assets. In working with him on several committees, I found him to be empathetic to the needs of everyone. He is principled in the manner in which he works to find reasonable solutions. Ray English is a champion working for the best outcomes for all Oberlinians. Sondra Miller, Oberlin resident
"Ray championed the city's LGBTQ non-discrimination ordinance as a leader of the Human Relations Commission and, when it was passed in January 2021, as a member of City Council. I enthusiastically endorse his re-election.” Greggor Mattson, Professor of Sociology, Oberlin College
