Occupation
Director Of Operations
Qualifications for Office
I bring real-world experience as a small business manager, balancing budgets and solving problems every day. As a Colombian immigrant, wife, and mom, I understand the challenges families face and the importance of safe, affordable communities. My commitment to listening, transparency, and people-first leadership makes me ready to serve Westerville with integrity.
One of the most significant challenges Westerville faces is housing supply and affordability. As our city grows quickly, families, seniors, and young professionals are finding it harder to stay here. I believe we need responsible development that expands housing options, ensures affordability, and preserves the character of our neighborhoods. Another challenge is balancing economic vitality with infrastructure and traffic demands. By supporting local businesses, investing in infrastructure, and engaging residents in planning, we can keep Westerville strong, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.
My top priorities are safe neighborhoods, affordability, and people-first leadership. I will support strong police, fire, and emergency services while encouraging community programs that build trust and safety. I will work to keep Westerville affordable by promoting responsible growth, ensuring housing options for families and seniors, and managing city budgets wisely. People-first leadership means listening to residents and making transparent decisions that reflect our community’s needs. These priorities will be financed through smart budgeting, efficient use of resources, and economic development that grows our tax base without placing additional burdens on families.
Westerville is experiencing the effects of Central Ohio’s rapid growth, and we need thoughtful planning to keep pace. I support expanding housing options that fit a range of needs—so seniors can stay, young professionals can get started, and families can grow here, while still preserving the character of our neighborhoods. Equally important is investing in infrastructure—roads, utilities, and public services—that can keep up with demand and ease traffic concerns. By planning carefully, engaging residents, and collaborating with regional partners, we can ensure Westerville continues to be a safe, welcoming, and vibrant community that works for today’s residents and future generations.
I plan to engage residents by being visible and accessible—attending community events, hosting listening sessions, and participating in City Council meetings. I will actively reach out to neighborhood associations, business leaders, and local organizations to hear their perspectives. By maintaining open communication, being transparent about decisions, and considering feedback in every policy, I will ensure that residents’ voices are reflected in my work and that Westerville’s leadership remains accountable and people-focused.
I approach building consensus by listening carefully to all residents and stakeholders and focusing on what truly matters to our community—safe neighborhoods, responsible growth, and people-first decision-making. I seek common ground by emphasizing shared goals, encouraging respectful dialogue, and making sure everyone feels heard. When disagreements arise, I use facts, community priorities, and open discussion to find solutions that work for the city as a whole. My goal is to foster collaboration, maintain trust, and ensure City Council decisions reflect the interests of all Westerville residents.
Campaign Phone
614-315-4615
Occupation
Professor - Otterbein University
Education
Ph.D. Public Policy & Administration (Walden University); Master of Science - Training & Development (Eastern Illinois University); Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Management (NCCU)
Qualifications for Office
Public Policy & Administration, Westerville Resident, former Business owner
Two of the most significant challenges facing Westerville are housing affordability and housing stock, and maintaining adequate public safety. It is imperative that the impending growth of the city is managed responsibly. The Council need to guide the development, alongside the City Manager and its team, in a way that supports housing, infrastructure, and green space while preserving what makes Westerville unique.
As the city continues to grow, it is of the upmost importance that investing in our first responders and support services remain a priority in the community.
My primary priorities for my term are responsible growth management that ensures Westerville continues to develop in a way that supports housing, transportation, and economic opportunity while protecting our green space and preserving our small-city uniqueness, and strengthening community safety and well-being. My intent for a strong push to increase housing stock is synonymous to investment in our police, fire, and emergency services because as the population grows, so does the need for additional services.
On Council, I have supported and will continue to support balanced development projects, ensure resources for our police and fire departments, and uphold our AAA bond rating. Moving forward, I’ll continue financing these priorities by growing our tax base through smart economic development and leveraging grants and partnerships — protecting taxpayer dollars that allow Westerville to move forward toward a brighter future.
I plan to engage with residents and community stakeholders by continuing to represent and/or attend public boards and commissions meetings. Additionally, I will continue to hold my unique weekly, "Chat With Your Council Member" on Wednesday mornings from 9 am - 11 am at local coffee shops,
I believe the best decisions are made when residents’ voices are at the table. I plan to stay accessible through regular community meetings, neighborhood conversations, and open office hours, while also using surveys and digital platforms to reach those who can’t attend in person. By listening first and keeping communication two-way, I can ensure that every decision reflects the needs and values of the people of Westerville.
My approach to building consensus is rooted in listening first, seeking common ground, and focusing on what unites us — the well-being of Westerville. I believe disagreements can become opportunities for collaboration when we approach them with respect, transparency, and a commitment to solutions that benefit the entire community. I also believe in transparency and clear communication. I make it a priority to explain the reasoning behind decisions and demonstrate how community input shaped the outcome. Even when not everyone agrees with the final decision, they should feel heard and know the process was fair.
Campaign Phone
614-588-5727
Occupation
Business Owner
Education
BA, Psychology - Ohio State University
Qualifications for Office
15 years business owner, board member AngelWorks, 15 year resident, 12 years leadership training through Vistage International
One of Westerville's biggest challenges is managing growth while protecting the safe, family-friendly character that makes our city special. Growth brings pressure on roads, safety services, and infrastructure, so we must plan wisely and invest to keep pace without losing our small-town feel. Another challenge is keeping divisive national politics out of local government. Westerville thrives when leaders focus on the basics like public safety, strong services, great parks and trails, and listening to residents. My priority is to keep council focused, transparent, and committed to common-sense solutions that reflect the values of our community.
My top priorities are keeping Westerville safe, protecting our family-friendly character, and making smart investments in infrastructure, parks, and our vibrant Uptown. Public safety comes first with continued support for police, fire, and EMS. We must also maintain roads, expand trails, and strengthen city services that families rely on every day. I believe in a balanced and responsible approach to financing these priorities through careful budgeting, strong fiscal oversight, and focusing on core services before anything else. By being transparent and intentional with resources, we can keep Westerville thriving while continuing to fund priorities through existing methods, primarily income taxes.
Central Ohio's rapid growth brings real opportunities and real challenges. In Westerville, we must plan wisely so growth does not overwhelm our roads, housing, or city services. My focus is on smart infrastructure investments such as maintaining roads, expanding trails, and supporting strong public safety. For housing, we should balance the need for options with protecting the family friendly character of our neighborhoods. That means working with developers on thoughtful projects that fit Westerville's values while ensuring infrastructure keeps pace. With careful planning and responsible budgeting, we can welcome growth without losing what makes our city special.
As a father of four and a small business owner in Westerville for more than 15 years, I know how important it is to listen, communicate clearly, and follow up when people share concerns. I believe leaders must create space for respectful dialogue, especially on tough issues. That means listening without judgment, asking good questions, and doing research to be fully informed. When we lean in with curiosity, we can often discover common ground and shared values. In public forums, I will work to set clear expectations so everyone feels heard and respected, keeping council focused on serving our neighbors rather than fueling division.
My approach to building consensus starts with listening. Disagreements can be opportunities to understand different perspectives when handled with respect and curiosity. As a business owner and community leader, I have learned that people want to feel heard and valued even when we do not fully agree. I focus on asking good questions, identifying shared interests, and finding common ground that benefits the community. I also believe in being transparent, doing the research, and communicating clearly so decisions are rooted in trust. By focusing on what unites us, we can move Westerville forward together.
Occupation
Financial Advisor
Education
B.S. Computer Information Systems, DeVry University
Qualifications for Office
Resident, Homeowner, Business owner all in Westerville. Over 20 years of service to Westerville through numerous boards and committees
One challenge facing Westerville is ensuring that our City Council remains focused on its core responsibilities—governing without personal bias. Too often, councils drift into activism or impose personal beliefs that infringe on citizens rights and decrease the safety of the community. That’s not the role of local government.
Another challenge is maintaining trust in how our city allocates resources. Citizens deserve transparency and accountability when it comes to infrastructure, safety, utilities, parks, and development. I propose a return to common-sense governance—where council members ‘stay in their lane,’ prioritize the essentials, and serve the community without political agendas.
My top priorities as a member of Westerville City Council are to restore common-sense governance, protect citizens rights, and ensure that taxpayer resources are used effectively. I believe City Council should focus on its core responsibilities—public safety, infrastructure, utilities, parks, and balanced development—not activism or personal agendas.
To finance these priorities, I would advocate an approach to budgeting that emphasizes transparency and accountability. That means reviewing expenditures and ensuring that every dollar serves the community’s essential needs. Westerville’s taxpayers deserve to know their money is being spent wisely, and I’ll work to make sure that trust is earned and maintained.
As Central Ohio grows, Westerville must respond with balanced development that protects the character of our community while meeting practical needs. My approach starts with focusing City Council on its core duties—ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with demand, maintaining public safety, and supporting utilities and parks that serve all residents.
Housing options must be addressed with transparency and community input. We need to ensure that development doesn’t outpace our ability to provide essential services. That means asking tough questions and making sure growth doesn’t compromise quality of life.
I’ll advocate for infrastructure and housing decisions that reflect prudent governance—not political agendas.
I believe the role of City Council is to serve—not to impose personal agendas or act as a platform for activism. That means listening first. I plan to engage with ALL residents (not pander only to those who share my perspectives) through open dialogue, regular town halls, and transparent communication channels that invite honest feedback.
My commitment is to nonpartisan governance. We can hold different perspectives and still work together. I’ll make sure decisions reflect what Westerville families and businesses truly need—whether it’s safety, infrastructure, utilities, parks, or balanced development. When residents speak, I’ll listen. And when I vote, it will be with their priorities in mind.
My approach to building consensus starts with respecting the boundaries of City Council’s role. I believe Council should focus on serving the community—not pushing personal agendas or engaging in activism. That means listening to all sides, staying grounded in facts, and prioritizing the core services that matter most: safety, infrastructure, utilities, parks, and balanced development.
When disagreements arise, I won’t escalate them—I’ll work to de-escalate. I’ll bring stakeholders together around shared goals and ensure that decisions are made with transparency and logic. My commitment is to govern without bias and to keep the Council in its proper lane, so that every resident feels heard and respected.
Occupation
Editor with over 20 years of experience in scientific and medical communications
Education
Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry and genetics from Ohio Wesleyan University; Master of Science in biochemistry and Doctor of Pharmacy from The Ohio State University
Qualifications for Office
John Gatiss is a Democrat running for Westerville City Council and has lived in Westerville for 20 years. He is an activist and advocate fighting for healthcare, voting rights, fair districts, and equality. John was a driving force behind the passage of Westerville’s nondiscrimination ordinance. As such, he has attended more council meetings than several current members of council.
Rising costs of living, including housing & utility costs, and the long-term impacts of climate change are the most significant challenges facing Westerville.
• We need housing policies that do more than address supply, including an ordinance to ban algorithmic rent price fixing & to restrict private equity home ownership
• We need to reduce flat customer charges on utility bills to give residents more control over their bills & greater incentives for efficiency
• We need to create a climate action plan that sets goals for reducing & eliminating carbon emissions while also planning for mitigation
• We need more local renewable energy not only to reduce Westerville's carbon footprint but also to reduce increasing electric transmission costs
My priorities are to fight for improvements in quality of life, for transparency and responsiveness, and for our future.
Most priorities and policy changes discussed in my other responses would have minimal costs relative to the overall city budget or would be changes to current practices.
Investments in renewable energy could be funded by public-private partnerships or other financing mechanisms.
Concerns about housing issues are primarily about the cost of housing and overall cost of living. Although we need to build more housing, there are other actions we can take as well to improve people’s lives by lowering costs and increasing quality of life.
• We need communication plans for housing & zoning policy changes, for example, about accessory dwelling units, so that the policy changes have the intended impact
• We need housing policies that do more than address supply, including an ordinance to ban algorithmic rent price fixing & to restrict private equity home ownership
• We need to reduce flat customer charges on utility bills to give residents more control over their bills and greater incentives for efficiency
Listen and make all people, not just the favored and well connected, feel like they’re being heard.
• I am going to set an example by holding town halls, office hours, and other events to engage with residents
• I am going to push for the creation of new boards to give people more opportunities to serve
• I aim to reform the process for filling council vacancies by amending the city charter to guarantee an open and transparent process
People bringing disagreements and problems to community leaders should be asked what an acceptable compromise would look like to them. That sets the boundaries for a consensus. Thought-terminating cliches that shut down debate and discussion must be avoided to continue to pursue resolution and solutions. Not every disagreement has a mutually agreeable resolution, but listening and being open to compromise are important steps to finding that space.
Campaign Phone
6145572889
Occupation
Attorney
Education
B.A. in Philosophy from the College of Wooster (1998); J.D. from the Capital University Law School (2002)
Qualifications for Office
I have represented local governments, including cities, villages, townships and school boards around Ohio, for more 20 years, giving me a clear understanding of the problems that face local governments and the opportunities available to them. As a lifelong resident of Westerville, I also and have a deep appreciation and knowledge of the City's history and character.
The most significant challenges facing Westerville are (1) managing rapid population growth and (2) balancing shifting pressures from the state and federal government. Growth creates demands on infrastructure, public services, and housing, requiring proactive planning to preserve our quality of life. At the same time, evolving (and sometimes conflicting) state and federal policies can strain local resources and limit flexibility. My approach is to plan ahead—strategically assessing infrastructure and housing needs—while advocating for local control and smart policies that reflect Westerville’s values. By staying proactive and engaged, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for a stronger community.
My priorities are to preserve and enhance vital public safety departments, maintain responsible economic policies in managing taxpayer funds, and making Westerville a welcoming community for all current and future residents, regardless of age, background or life experience. With most of our general funds coming from income tax, Strong economic development is vital to funding these priorities. Economic development is supported by (1) employing a top-notch economic development team; (2) using economic development tools like Community Reinvestment Areas and Tax Increment Financing thoughtfully, and (3) listening to the business community. By encouraging smart, sustainable growth, we will ensure the City can maintain high-quality services.
Central Ohio’s rapid population growth requires proactive planning to protect quality of life. Growth places added demand on roads, utilities, and public services, so we must carefully assess future needs and make infrastructure investments ahead of time, funded by strong economic development policies. On housing, the City is already taking meaningful steps. We’ve launched a program to support naturally occurring affordable housing, encouraged the development of accessory dwelling units, and revised our Zoning Code to promote more modern and inclusive development. By planning thoughtfully and acting proactively, we can balance growth with affordability and sustainability, ensuring Westerville remains a welcoming and resilient community.
I believe that one of the most important aspects of serving on City Council is listening to residents and the business community. I will make myself accessible through regularly scheduled "office hours" throughout the year, by email, and by attending community events, and by expanding digital engagement, so residents who cannot meet in person still have a voice. I will continue to seek input from a wide range of community stakeholders—business owners, civic groups, and service organizations—to ensure diverse perspectives about Westerville. My goal will continue to be an open, transparent process where every resident feels heard.
My approach to building consensus begins with listening to make sure all voices are heard. I see my role as a liaison who facilitates open, respectful dialogue between groups. I work to ground conversations based on facts rather than speculation, so discussions are productive, and the focus is on solutions in the future instead of disagreements in the past. By focusing on common goals and encouraging reasonable communication, I believe even groups with different perspectives and different interests can find common ground that is good for the City of Westerville. An inclusive process builds trust and ensures that decisions reflect the best interests of the entire community.
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Campaign Phone
6144198033
Occupation
Banking
Education
Masters of Business Administration
Qualifications for Office
I am a Westerville resident who works in uptown Westerville. I earned my master's degree from Ohio Dominican University and my undergrad degree from Otterbein in 1998. I bring with me a wealth of business knowledge and more than three decades of work experience. I believe transparency and honesty are qualities that the citizens of Westerville are looking for and I bring those qualities.
One of the most significant challenges facing Westerville today is our infrastructure. With the population of Westerville expecting to increase over the next few years, how do we maintain our beautiful uptown district and still have traffic flow through this district with as much ease as possible. Some ideas I have is inserting round abouts prior to the uptown area to make sure traffic continues flowing without interruption. Also, exploring ways to divert the neighborhood traffic to feed into State St at points further north and south of uptown to help reduce traffic flow from the neighborhoods. We could look at increasing the length of the green light versus red light stoppage to see if that helps with the flow of traffic.
My first priority is to make sure that the city has a budget that is right for the city and to make the budget available for everyone to see. My second priority is to make sure that Westerville continues to grow economically and to grow in a way that promotes sustainability for our community. Develop older business parks into newer communities that can house business and homes for younger single working patrons of Westerville. Another focus of mine while in office is to protect and maintain our parks and rec areas and make sure they are accessible for all citizens of Westerville. To ensure that not only Westerville grows but also has enough space for people in Westerville to enjoy all the amenities of our city.
We need to look at revitalizing our older business parks that no longer are occupied by businesses and turn them into new townhomes and condos geared towards younger working singles and new families. Entice them with places to eat and socialize as well as places that are kid friendly. To help finance this we can look at options available to developers but also look at past business tax breaks that were given out and if those businesses are not performing to the agreed contract, we could shift those benefits to promote new growth in the area.
As an elected council person, I would be available to everyone in Westerville. I would connect with them through social media, public social events such as local high school competitions, Farmers Festival, 4th Fridays, etc. One of the reasons I am running for Westerville City Council is so I can be a leader for the citizens of our community who need a voice. I want people in Westerville to feel that they have someone working for them and for Westerville and not just for an agenda. Working in uptown gives me access to meeting people where they live and work and being able to see firsthand their concerns and also hear about all the great qualities of Westerville.
We need to get away from not being able to share ideas and working as a team so we can continue to work towards a better Westerville where we are cohesive as one. Let's take the ideas we have collected and work with them to see what we can make obtainable and what is best for our city and then implement them. Let's get the buy in of our small business owners that drive our economy on a daily basis and support them so them have a platform to promote their business from. As a city we need to make sure that are business have the necessities available to them to be able to operate at a high level to serve not only Westerville, but those who come from out of town to visit our great city.
Campaign Phone
6144778963
Occupation
Teacher
Education
Master's in Education
Qualifications for Office
12 years in public service as a teacher, government teacher with a passion for civic participation and community service, and active advocate at the Ohio Statehouse for issues affecting Westerville families, such as public education.
One of Westerville’s greatest challenges is managing growth while preserving community character. We must connect schools, training facilities, and local employers so residents are ready for the jobs our businesses need filled. At the same time, thoughtful redevelopment and infill can broaden housing, accessibility, and services for families, young professionals, and seniors. Strategic growth balances respect for current residents with the need to expand our income tax base, funding the services and amenities Westerville values. We must also address rising living costs: our municipally owned utilities already save families money, and partnerships for critical home repairs can protect affordability and preserve naturally occurring affordable
Preserving Westerville’s character means growth that respects our history and small-town feel. I will support redevelopment and infill that strengthen neighborhoods, while ensuring larger projects align with community values and expand our tax base to fund essential services. Protecting our community requires strong police, fire, and EMS, as well as partnerships that promote safety, equity, and support. Progress means smart development that attracts employers, enhances quality of life, and funds sustainability. With fiscal responsibility and transparent communication, we can honor Westerville’s past while building a bright future.
Central Ohio’s growth brings challenges and opportunities for Westerville. We must manage it with smart planning that preserves community character while expanding infrastructure and housing. This means investing in transportation, utilities, and sustainability that align with our values and expand the tax base to fund services. Thoughtful redevelopment and infill can diversify housing for families, young professionals, and seniors while maintaining neighborhood charm. A wider housing stock also supports affordability. By partnering with schools, training facilities, and employers, we can tie growth to opportunity and ensure Westerville remains vibrant, welcoming, and financially strong.
One of the most common concerns I hear is that residents don’t always feel aware of or included in Westerville’s policymaking. As councilmember, I will work to close that gap through better communication, transparency, and proactive engagement. We must share city updates in ways that reach everyone—social media, newsletters, schools, and neighborhood groups—while using clear formats like short videos or infographics. Trust grows when residents see how their input shaped decisions, even if outcomes differ. And by inviting feedback earlier, through listening sessions and office hours, we can ensure community voices truly guide city policies.
As a government teacher and public servant, I’ve built my career on facilitating conversations, managing conflict, and helping people with competing ideas find common ground. These skills translate directly to City Council, where collaboration is essential. My approach begins with fairness and listening—I see disagreements not as obstacles but as opportunities to understand community values. I seek input from residents, experts, and city staff, using data and dialogue to guide decisions. By focusing on shared goals, being transparent about trade-offs, and respecting all voices, I will build consensus that reflects Westerville’s best interests.
