I’ve been deeply honored to be named one of the 10 finalists to fill the District 7 seat on Columbus City Council. This opportunity has allowed me to engage with Council and community in meaningful ways, and I’ve been grateful for the chance to share my vision for a more inclusive and equitable Columbus.
I must acknowledge the incredible depth and strength of the other candidates who stepped forward. Each brings unique perspectives and talents, showcasing the passion and commitment that defines our district. I applaud Council President Shannon Hardin for emphasizing the importance of diversity in leadership and his stated preference for a Black woman to fill this interim role. It is undeniable that Black women have been central to the fabric of leadership in our city for generations, and their absence from Council would mark a significant shift in representation. I hope this moment inspires Black women, and other unrepresented identities, to step up and run for office in any and all of the newly created Districts so that we can have a diversity of voices and opinions representing us.
While I don’t believe I will be selected to fill the interim seat, I remain steadfast in my commitment to District 7. I will run in the 2025 election to represent our community with the same passion, dedication, and focus I have brought to this process. My vision is to ensure that District 7 continues to thrive, while also preparing for the growth and changes that lie ahead for Columbus.
For me, this process has always been about more than an appointment—it’s about creating opportunities for leadership that reflects the people it serves, fosters equity, and ensures that every voice is heard.
Below, I am sharing the full text of my remarks from tonight’s, December 18, special hearing. It is a reflection of my commitment to District 7 and to building a Columbus that works for everyone.
Good evening, members of Council and neighbors,
I’ve applied for this seat because I believe the District should have the best representation of its needs at City Hall and that the pool should reflect citizens who are qualified and deeply invested in Columbus and District 7.
I am confident in my experience, my understanding of District 7’s needs, and my commitment to its residents and those across Columbus.
District 7 is a dynamic and diverse community—home to neighborhoods like Franklinton, Italian Village, Victorian Village, the Brewery District, German Village, the Short North, King-Lincoln Bronzeville and more.
These neighborhoods reflect the rich history and promise of Columbus, and they are seeing some of the greatest challenges as we grow, like housing insecurity, economic disparities, and public safety concerns.
As someone who has lived the challenges faced by those who may be feeling displaced in our community—at one time navigating affordable housing, fostering a community of inclusion, and building personal economic stability and growth—I would bring a lived perspective to this role.
Much of my professional experience in education and now as Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus has taught me the value of listening, collaboration, and community-centered leadership.
However, this process is about more than filling a seat—it’s about ensuring that every resident has leadership who intently listens, truly represents, and boldly acts.
It’s about fulfilling a promise.
I believe this means allowing the best community candidates to demonstrate to this body and our community that we are prepared to serve with the full force of our ability and not operate as a placeholder who may not push forward with the full throat of the District for which they represent.
District 7, and Columbus, should not have to put progress on pause.
For many residents, this appointment process can feel opaque and exclusive, reinforcing perceptions of a system designed to serve the politically motivated and connected rather than the broader public.
However, at this moment there is a real opportunity to say that the best candidate is a citizen who has served this community and demonstrated their ability to show up for the many of us.
There is an opportunity to allow a citizen-servant of District 7 to step forward, serve with integrity, and run on their record–if they so choose. Our Council is now made up of a representative body of our districts, and while it may be a new change it is one that our citizens supported–truly representational governance on our Council.
As a naturalized American citizen, as a Black person, as a Queer person, as an LGBTQ+ advocate, as someone who grew up in a lower-income household, as a father, as a person who has built a life advocating for inclusion, access, equality, and equity, I see this through the lens of lived experience.
Representation matters.
And in city governance it shapes policies, priorities, and, ultimately, the lives of residents.
If Columbus is to truly serve its diverse population, we must move beyond surface-level reforms and commit to systemic changes that empower citizens to truly make a choice.
Change is often uncomfortable, but I believe this moment demands it and our city will be better for it.
If given the opportunity, I am ready to serve all of Columbus, collaborate with my Council colleagues, and ensure District 7 thrives. Regardless of this process’s outcome, I am committed to running for the District 7 seat in 2025.
I became a Columbus resident for the first time in the summer of 2,000, and since then I’ve been proud to call Columbus home. I bought my first house here, I got married here, I started my business here, we are thankful to raise our daughter here, where she attends a Columbus City School–coincidentally this all has been within District 7.
Our family has invested in this community through our small family business–we love Columbus and all that it has afforded us.
It would be my greatest privilege to serve this city and its citizens in this capacity.
Thank you for considering me.