Meet The Candidate: Sherrie Foster
A life-long Trojan is making her first bid for public office
Our “Meet The Candidate” series continues today as we profile a life-long Trojan making her first bid for public office. Sherrie Foster is running against incumbent Jeff Schilling to represent the city’s Sixth Ward on City Council. Here are Sherrie’s answers to the questions put foward to her.
What inspired you to run for city council, and how do you believe your background and experience make you a strong candidate?
I'm running for Troy City Council because I care deeply about our city's future and believe local government should be responsive, transparent, and focused on the real needs of its residents. I’ve seen both the great potential in Troy and the areas where we can do better — from improving communication to supporting local businesses and ensuring every voice is heard.
My background in community involvement and hands-on leadership has always been centered around listening, solving problems, and bringing people together. Whether through work, volunteer efforts, or collaboration with local organizations, I’ve focused on making a real difference.
I’m not running just to hold a seat — I’m running to actively engage with residents and help move Troy forward. My experience, dedication, and love for this community are what make me ready to serve.
What do you believe is the role of city council in the city's decision making process?
The role of city council is to serve as the voice of our residents — to represent the community’s interests and ensure that decisions made at the city level reflect the needs and values of the residents. City council is responsible for setting local policies, approving budgets, reviewing and passing ordinances, and working with the mayor and city departments to guide the overall direction of the city.
But beyond the formal duties, I believe the council’s role is also about listening — being accessible, engaged, and responsive to concerns from every corner of our community. It’s about asking the right questions, pushing for accountability, and making sure every decision is made with long-term impact in mind. When council works well, it builds trust, encourages collaboration, and helps create a stronger, more united Troy.
What is your vision for Troy's future, and how do you plan to achieve it?
My vision for Troy’s future is a community that’s thriving, transparent, and forward-thinking. I want to be a leader that honors our city’s history while embracing smart growth and new opportunities. That means investing in our infrastructure, supporting local businesses, strengthening our neighborhoods, and planning responsibly for our future.
To achieve this vision, I plan to focus on three areas. First, I want to create more ways for residents to be involved in city decisions, from town halls to digital input tools. Second, I’ll advocate for development that aligns with our long-term goals, preserves our charm, and builds up our downtown and neighborhoods in meaningful ways. Lastly, every dollar spent should reflect our priorities and make a difference. I’ll work to ensure our budget supports what matters most: safety, sustainability, and services that improve everyday life.
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Troy today, and how would you address them? For ward candidates, what are the most pressing issues facing your ward?
In the 6th Ward, traffic and road conditions are major concerns. The intersection at 718, Washington, and McKaig remains dangerously neglected. The proposed roundabout at Main, Stanfield, and Experiment Farm also raises valid concerns — it could create more problems than it solves. And despite recent paving, Stanfield Road is uneven and frustrating for daily drivers. These issues directly impact quality of life and deserve the attention of the City for our residents in the 6th Ward.
For new/challenging candidates, what are the leadership qualities that you believe make you unique and will make you a positive member of City Council?
As a new candidate, I bring a fresh perspective, a strong commitment to listening, and a willingness to ask tough questions. I believe leadership starts with showing up, being accessible, and working with people to find real solutions.
What sets me apart is my ability to connect with others, communicate clearly, and stay focused on results, transparency, and integrity. I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo if it means doing what’s right for Troy.
I see this role as one of service, not power — and I’m ready to lead by example, stay rooted in the community, and help move Troy forward.
How would you foster greater community engagement and participation in local decision-making processes?
Foster just isn’t my last name. I’m committed to Fostering stronger community engagement by making it easier for residents to get involved and feel heard. Many people want to participate — they just need clear communication and meaningful opportunities.
I’d improve outreach through both traditional town halls and modern tools like social media, email updates, and interactive platforms. My town halls will be informal sessions in the 6th Ward, because real ideas often come from casual conversations — not just council chambers.
Transparency is key. People should understand why decisions are made and where their voices fit in. Building trust takes consistency, presence, and a true respect for community input — and that’s exactly what I’ll bring to City Council.
What actions should be taken to keep residents informed about key issues and policies?
To keep residents informed about key issues and policies, we need to prioritize clear, consistent, and accessible communication. That means using multiple channels — a better city website, social media, email newsletters, and even text alerts — to reach people where they are. Tipp City recently rolled out a phone app that I think would be so beneficial for the residents of Troy.
We should also hold regular public meetings, town halls, and Q&A sessions, both in person and online, so residents can ask questions and stay engaged. Transparency is key — people shouldn’t have to dig to find out what’s going on.
Ultimately, it's about building a two-way relationship where the city not only shares information but also listens and responds to community concerns.
If you were awarded a $1 million grant for Troy, how would you allocate the funds to address the city's most pressing needs?
My answer is simple — I’d invest in transportation and trusted child care for our working families.
Too many people in our community struggle to get to work because of unreliable or unavailable transportation. At the same time, parents can’t clock in if they don’t have safe, affordable child care they can count on. These aren’t just personal issues — they’re economic ones that affect our entire city.
As a city council candidate, I believe our local government can be a stronger partner in removing these barriers — helping more Troy residents participate fully in our workforce and our community.
If you want to learn more about Sherrie Foster for City Council - please visit my social media page: Facebook or my website: Home | Sherrie Foster. Feel free to email me with any questions you may have: sfoster.troy@gmail.com.
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