MOUNT VERNON — Janis Seavolt, Republican, has filed her petition as a candidate for Mount Vernon City Council at large seat.
Seavolt has lived in Mount Vernon for 51 years and graduated from Mount Vernon High School. She went to P. Stevens College where she received a degree in business/fashion merchandising. Seavolt worked for J.C. Penney Co. for nine years, holding positions as buyer for women’s sportswear and uniforms for nurses and medical workers.
“I was responsible for not only working in the future deciding what styles, colors and sizes would sell, but also the money that would be involved in buying, selling and how much would end up marked down and the total report of each season financial report,” Seavolt said.
She was also the catalog manager when the company switched to computers for sending in orders. In 1975, Seavolt left Penney’s to work as a freelance photographer in the business, Seavolt’s Studio, she started part-time in 1969 with her husband, John.
At Seavolt’s Studio, she has worked all types of jobs, meeting the needs of customers and working with technological changes.
“I still very much enjoy working with people in the community and recording memories,” Seavolt said. “That is why I want to serve on City Council. I have an open mind, a sense of fairness, a logical way of thinking and, most of all, a willingness to listen to the people. I care about keeping Mount Vernon a great place to live now and in the future. The people of this community have been good to me, letting us be a part of all their lives with photography. I want to give back by solving problems while keeping in mind what it will do 10 years from now.
“I care about the people and what goes on in the community. I can make tough decisions and will stand up for you. I have a strong desire to be active in City Council and serve all of the residents equally.”
Seavolt formerly served on the Faith Lutheran preschool board and has worked in all the office positions up to president of the Parents-Teachers Association at Elmwood School. She served on the board of the Women of the Moose, was elected National Bicycle League District commissioner, as well as holding offices such as secretary to the state board, state clerk of courts and state point keeper for state bicycle races. She also ran an American Bicycle Association race track for three years that held local, state and national races.
Seavolt has been married to her husband, John, for 43 years, and lives at 685 Millstone Lane. They have two children, Dr. Jason (Dr. Maralyn) Seavolt and Jodi (Stacy) Kreager, and two grandchildren, Bryce (3 years old) and Cody (5 months). Jodi also works at Seavolt’s Studio.
