Mayor of Put-in-Bay, Mrs. Jessica Dress, kindly agreed to an interview with free-lance writer/photographer Amanda Downey. Put-in-Bay Daily is pleased to share this insight.
Did you know that Put in Bay Village has its very own Mayor? Well, I had the opportunity to sit down with the Mayor and ask her few questions.
So Jess, can you tell us where you are originally from?
Mayor: Bucyrus, Ohio
What are your greatest strengths as a Mayor?
Mayor: Connecting with the community and reaching out to help everyone.
Tell us a bit about yourself . . . hobbies, what you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Mayor: While also working at the post office, I’m a volunteer EMT, I enjoy crafting–dabbling in jewelry making–I have two dogs.
Who has been an inspiration for you?
Mayor: Wow, there are so many . . . however, I would have to say my parents. They were involved with the community as well.
What is your greatest achievement outside of work as the Mayor?
Mayor: Outside of work as mayor . . . before I moved to Put-in-Bay, I was a state award-winning journalist; I earned my Bachelor’s degree with honors in journalism from Ohio University.
What is your greatest achievement as the Mayor?
Mayor: Working to stabilize the police department.
Tell us about a typical day at work?
Mayor: Depends on day to day. Could consist of checking emails, phone calls, preparing for meetings, phone calls with council.
What is your favorite part about South Bass Island?
Mayor: The physicality of being surrounded by water and connected with nature. Also the people of the island. Everyone watching out for one another and being a community as a whole.
What are the qualities of a good leader?
Mayor: Leading by example. Doing what you preach. Listening and hearing what the people have to say.
If you could be choose to be anything for a day, what would you be?
Mayor: To be a World Traveler. To see. To do and explore.
Thank you Mayor Jessica Dress for your time.