Mayor Derek Merrin, Waterville

In January, Derek Merrin was sworn into office, becoming the youngest mayor in the State of Ohio. It was the end-result of a strong grassroots campaign, one with significant contrasts as Derek, then 21, defeated a seventy-something long-time incumbant.

The campaign was no fluke, as Derek had been elected to Village Council in 2005. Among his priorities as mayor, Derek has focused on protecting tax dollars and increasing the transparency in government. His innovative ideas and uncanny openness is changing the ideas of mayors around Ohio.

Recently, Derek reflected on his public service career:

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1. What prompted you to to get involved politically?
From a very earlier age, I have been very interested in politics. At the age of 12 years old, I can remember watching U.S. House Judiciary Committee proceedings examining the articles of impeachment against President Clinton and was intrigued by the debate among the members of Congress. I wanted moral justice----but the vote was unequivocally on party lines. It was probably my first taste of politics.

There are a plethora of reasons that prompted me to get involved politically. I suppose all the reasons could be boiled down to prosperity and justice. I want my generation to experience optimal prosperity from accumulating wealth to basking with personal liberties. I desire a fair justice system that breeds security by protecting the innocent and justly punishing the guilty. How are such lofty goals implemented? That is where politics emerge and becomes so exciting.



2. What was the biggest challenge to overcome running at such a young age?
Yes, the age factor. As a candidate at 19 and 21 years old, I have most likely faced some unique campaigning challenges. The biggest challenge running at such a young age is likely personal frustration. I could not control the most distinguishable aspect of my candidacy or turn away attention from it. It was a legitimate issue to boot. The continual drumbeat of experience and credibility became frustrating to me. From a practical standpoint, fundraising and gaining political allies is easier for a well-established political figures. I basically had to start from scratch.

When campaigning for mayor, I knew my age was costing me votes. I had calculated that 20% of voters would automatically right me off due to my age. From the beginning, I had to carve out 50% plus 1 from a smaller pie. Fortunately, the majority of voters didn’t hold my age against me, which I am very appreciative and thankful . I won with almost 53% of the vote.



3. What advice do you have for other young people considering future careers in public service?
My advice would be to have a firm grasp of your own political philosophy and principals before really getting deep into government. Governing by your feelings and not by principals is dangerous. You must predetermine to always do the right thing even if it is not popular or will cost you votes the next election. If you are unwilling to do that, you don’t deserve to serve the public. Get involved in politics for the right reasons.

Lastly, go for it!!!!!!!

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For more information on Mayor Derek Merrin, visit his website at http://www.derekmerrin.com