Columbus’ City Council elections stand out among many local government structures in Ohio as officially nonpartisan. This designation is not a mere technicality; it’s a vital feature of our city’s political system that underscores the importance of prioritizing local issues and community needs over party politics. However, the influence of party endorsements and affiliations has grown more visible, threatening to overshadow the very essence of nonpartisan representation.
Columbus voters deserve a Council that focuses on solving problems and addressing challenges—not advancing partisan agendas. Our neighborhoods are filled with diverse voices and perspectives that cannot be neatly categorized into party lines. Issues like affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability affect all of us, regardless of political affiliation. The structure of nonpartisan elections was designed to reflect this reality by encouraging collaboration, independent thinking, and accountability to the people, not party interests.
Other cities have demonstrated the benefits of preserving the integrity of nonpartisan elections. In places like Denver and Seattle, where district-based representation pairs with nonpartisan elections, candidates are often judged more on their ability to address local issues and engage with constituents than on their alignment with political parties. This approach fosters a deeper connection between voters and their representatives, empowering citizens to feel heard and represented at every level of governance.
Yet, the reality of partisanship creeping into nonpartisan systems is real. Candidates may seek endorsements from major parties, and campaign narratives often mirror national partisan divides. While endorsements and support are legitimate tools for campaigns, they can sometimes blur the lines of accountability, making it unclear whether a representative’s decisions are rooted in constituent needs or party loyalty.
This trend is particularly concerning at the local level, where governance should remain firmly grounded in the practical realities of community life.
With the 2025 City Council elections, we have an opportunity to reaffirm the values of nonpartisan, and district based, representation. It’s a chance to imagine what accountability and transparency can look like in Columbus and to inspire confidence that our leaders are working for the people, not the parties.
To that end, I am running for Columbus City Council as an Independent candidate.
This decision reflects my commitment to the spirit of nonpartisan governance. I am running as a symbol of accountability and a promise to the residents of District 7, and beyond, that I am here to represent you. My goal is to engage with voters directly, hear your concerns, and develop solutions that address the unique needs of our community. By stepping outside party lines, I hope to demonstrate that leadership can rise above partisanship and that local government can truly serve the people.
Now, will I take a party endorsement–sure! I feel my responsibility is to demonstrate my capacity to serve the people and then it is up to a party, any party to, to endorse me. I’m here to represent my community. I’m not here to represent a party. I’m here to represent my neighbor who is looking for trash pickup to be on time, to have their streets have salt not ice on them. I’m here for my neighbors who are saying I’m going to be evicted from my home because the rent prices are going up too quickly. To me, that is what civic duty is about. It’s not aligning to a party. It’s aligning to your neighbors and saying, I’m here, and then if the party wants to call and say, we’d love to give you an endorsement, Democrat, Republican or Independent–or anything in between. In this moment political parties have an opportunity to doe something different–to change the narrative.
Columbus is a city built on collaboration, resilience, and the strength of its neighborhoods. Let’s honor our nonpartisan elections by electing leaders who embody these values. Together, we can chart a path forward that prioritizes progress and equity for all.
This is our opportunity to show that Columbus can lead the way in nonpartisan governance. I invite you to join me on this journey, not just as voters but as active participants in shaping our city’s future.
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