PERRYSVILLE — Ruth Zakutni won’t let Perrysville’s small size limit its potential.
Ruth Zakutni was appointed Wednesday during a special village council meeting to serve the remainder of Robert “Bob” Zakutni’s term after his death July 22.
“I’m not just trying to fill his seat,” Zakutni said. “I’m trying to complete what he started.”
Zakutni previously served on the Perrysville Zoning Appeals Board for about four years. She stepped down from the board after accepting the council position.
She wants to build on some of the work her husband cared about, including finding additional resources for the village’s fire department and first responders.
“We feel, or we felt, and I do the same, that these are vital positions,” she said. “They are the backbone of our safety.”
Zakutni said she plans to seek grants and other funding opportunities for emergency services, infrastructure improvements and community programs.
She also wants to continue work on the village cemetery. She had already been helping Bob search for grant opportunities.
She sees Perrysville’s location as an opportunity to draw more visitors into the village. She wants to promote it as an entry point to Mohican and highlight what the community has to offer.
“I would love to see more people realize that Perrysville is the gateway to Mohican,” she said.
Zakutni said she also wants to see more businesses come to the village and encourage people to recognize Perrysville’s potential.
“Perrysville deserves strong and dedicated leadership that prioritizes community engagement and enhancement,” she said.
Her connection to to the village goes back more than two decades. Zakutni has lived here since 2003 after moving to the area with two of her children.
She said the community and the Lutheran Church supported her and her children when she first arrived.
“So I’m giving back,” Zakutni said.
That sense of community is part of what motivated her to accept the council position. She wants to see residents put aside their differences and work toward improving the village.
“I want to build up Perrysville, not tear it down,” she said. “I want it to be better because it deserves it.”
Zakutni said she also wants to work with other communities and organizations throughout Ashland County when opportunities arise.
“I don’t want to butt heads. That’s not my goal,” she said. “I want to work with everyone.”
Zakutni said she brings her own personality to the council. She described herself as outspoken and hopes to use that voice to advocate for residents.
“I’ll try to do my best to be the best advocate for the people,” she said.
With her term now underway, Zakutni is ready to put her ideas and passion into action and show residents the advocate she wants to be for Perrysville.
“Those that don’t know me, give me a chance,” Zakutni said. “Get to know me.”
