Erb running for deputy mayor spot in Woodstock

Jarod Erb. (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Jarod Erb has lived in Woodstock for over 50 years and has been self-employed since he was 20 years old, and now he has decided it’s time to run for the city’s deputy mayor.

He owns Erb Signs, a local sign company that he has operated for the past 25 years.

“I raised my children here, and all of my family still lives in Woodstock. This city has always been home, and I care deeply about its future.”

Outside of work, you’ll usually find him at his hobby farm, Odd Duck Ranch, where he’s always building or improving something.

“It’s already a place that people come to enjoy, but my goal is to officially open it to the public within the next two years, a place where families can come, relax, and let their kids just be kids.”

Erb said he joined Toastmasters because while he’s very comfortable talking one-on-one or in small groups, speaking in front of larger audiences has always been a huge challenge for him.

“Instead of avoiding it, I decided to work on it. I enjoy listening to people, asking questions, and learning from different perspectives.”

He explained he is running because he believes city hall works best when people feel heard.

“I don’t think any one person has all the answers. My job isn’t to tell Woodstock what it needs; it’s to listen, ask questions, learn, and help represent what the community wants. I also believe too many people in Woodstock have stopped sharing their opinions because they don’t feel they’ll make a difference. I think that’s unfortunate, because it’s the residents’ voices that matter most.”

Erb added city hall needs better ways for people to have their say, as not everyone can attend a weekday meeting or feels comfortable standing up in front of a crowd.

“If we genuinely want public input, we need to make it easier for people to participate. I want to help build a City Hall that is more transparent, more accountable, and more connected to the people it serves.”

Rebuilding trust between the city and the people of Woodstock is one of our biggest challenges, according to Erb, but there are many more issues facing residents.

“Affordability, public safety, homelessness, and managing growth are all important, but so is making sure residents understand what’s happening at city hall and feel they have a meaningful voice before major decisions are made. Good communication and meaningful public involvement lead to better decisions.”

Erb added he will listen before making a decision.

“I’ll ask questions before I make up my mind. I’ll judge ideas on whether they make sense, not on who suggested them. My job isn’t to push my own agenda. It’s to represent the people of Woodstock and make decisions based on what the community wants. If I’m elected, I’ll work hard, I’ll keep learning, and I’ll never forget who I work for.”

He said whether someone agrees with him or not, he wants them to know they’ll always be treated with respect.

“I don’t have political experience, and I actually see that as one of my strengths. I’m not walking into City Hall assuming that because something has always been done a certain way, it must be the best way. I want to understand why. If there’s a good reason, great. If there’s a better way, we should be willing to consider it.”

Erb added good ideas can come from anywhere, and he’s committed to listening to the people in our community and taking their input seriously.

“This campaign has never been about me having all the answers. It’s about making sure the people of Woodstock have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect their lives.”