Letter to the Editor...Columbus Deserves Transparency, Not Backroom Deals

As a proud resident of District 6, an educator and an engaged community volunteer, I am deeply concerned about the integrity of our local government. Recent decisions by the Columbus Council highlight the urgent need for greater transparency, accountability and fairness in how we govern.

A Broken Appointment Process

The recent appointment to the District 9 council seat was not just problematic—it was a blatant dismissal of public trust. In a single day, a resignation was accepted and a replacement was installed, with zero public discussion or input. While this may technically align with our city charter, it undermines the very principles of democracy.

Even more troubling, the person appointed already had been rejected twice by voters at the ballot box. If the people have spoken, why is their voice being ignored? This is not representative government—it is an end-run around the electoral process.

Adding to the issue, we’ve been told that an “unwritten rule” prevents appointees from running for the seat they temporarily fill. But let’s be honest—unwritten rules are not rules at all. They are informal agreements, unenforceable and easily ignored when convenient. Columbus deserves clear, binding policies that prevent political manipulation and restore public trust.

If we are serious about ensuring fairness in our elections, we must demand an immediate review and amendment of our city charter—not in 2030, not five years from now, but now.

Political Attacks Are Wasting Time & Taxpayer Money

Beyond the appointment process, another issue is plaguing our city: the continued, baseless attacks on our City Manager.

The City Manager already has announced his retirement. Any alleged improprieties have been reviewed, cleared and resolved. Yet, some on the Council refuse to let it go. Instead of focusing on finding a strong, competent successor, they are wasting time and taxpayer dollars on a political witch hunt.

This is not leadership. This is distraction.

Our city faces real challenges—economic development, public safety, education and infrastructure. That’s where our focus should be. Instead, council meetings have turned into political theater, sidelining the real issues that affect everyday Columbus residents.

The Future of Columbus Is in Our Hands

So, I ask: How do we want our city to be governed? Do we want backroom deals and political maneuvering, or do we want leadership that is transparent and accountable to the people?

The 2026 election is our opportunity to change the course of Columbus. Columbus Council seats 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 will be on the ballot. Of those five, two are currently filled by appointees—individuals who were not elected by the people.

If we don’t act now, we risk allowing an unwritten rule to be used as a loophole for backdoor appointments. Instead, we must come together, strategize and mobilize to elect leaders who will uphold the principles of democracy and represent the people—not their own political interests.

In the words of social and political activist Michael Render, better known as Killer Mike: "It’s time to plot, plan, strategize, organize and mobilize."

The future of Columbus is in our hands. Let’s get to work.