On my role in local government
I've been active with the North Linden Area Commission for years; attending most meetings and advocating for North Linden as a resident. I've pushed for COTA to mark the rerouted Line 31 on its maps. I've provided copious feedback to the city's zoning code update initiative. And I've pushed the Department of Public Service to improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
As several NLAC commissioners have told me, it was only a matter of time before I joined.
I had been running the NLAC Zoning Committee since Ocotober 2022, with the assistance of commissioner Michelle Dranichack. When Dr. Katharine Swidarski stepped down from her seat on the commission, I was told that I should apply.
2023 is a good year to join. There's a lot going on in Columbus, where the right feedback can tip government towards making better decisions:
- Columbus is updating its zoning code
- Columbus is updating its plans for bikes, scooters, and pedestrians
- The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is composing the 2024-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, where projects must be listed before receiving federal funding
- Ohio might receive federal funding to restore passenger rail service to Columbus
On June 15, NLAC appointed me to fill its empty seat. I will use this new title for continued advocacy. Columbus can be better, but it won't get better unless people push for change. And so I'll do the pushing, for now.
My term as area commissioner is up for re-election in the August 23, 2023 area commission elections, and I hope to be re-elected.
The zoning committee and area commission are unpaid, volunteer positions, but they are offices within local government. No conflict of interest is known with my current employment.