Campaign Phone
6142042041
Occupation
Self Employed-Co-Owner of Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
Qualifications for Office
I have over 25 years in ownership and managing companies along with owning the successful Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, I bring strong business and leadership experience. As president of Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park for 12 years, I helped raise $1.8 million for community projects. My background as an entrepreneur and community leader has prepared me to serve effectively on City Council.
Responsible Growth & Preservation: We as a city need to promote smart, thoughtful development that respects Grove City’s past while accommodating the future. I will advocate for clear design guidelines, balanced zoning, & community input on projects—especially those in historic or residential neighborhoods—to preserve character while enabling modern development.
Recreation & Community Well-Being: Grove City NEEDS a rec building so our families do not have to travel so far. Build a center that promotes youth development, supports adult fitness, & provides safe, accessible gathering places for all residents. This responds directly to public interest in a community center, boosts quality of life, & fosters positive social outcomes.
Recreation & Community Well-Being & Responsible Growth & Preservation. For a recreation center we can do private/public partnerships, we can apply for state or federal funding, we could build in phased construction to spread the cost over time and also add memberships and usage fees to to help pay for the build and offset the cost. As far as livable infrastructure and public safety, require new developments to contribute to schools, roads, and green spaces through structured fees, along with tapping into historic preservation and Main Street revitalization funds.
First, on infrastructure: we must get ahead of growth with smart planning. That means coordinating with ODOT and Franklin County on road improvements, investing in walkability and safe crossings, and ensuring our water, sewer, and public safety services can handle future demand. I also believe in leveraging state and federal infrastructure grants so our residents don’t shoulder all the costs.
Second, on housing: we need a balanced approach. Grove City should welcome a mix of housing options—single-family homes, quality apartments, & senior-friendly developments—to keep our community accessible for young families, working professionals, and retirees.
I would like to have open communication, accessible representation so local families know what's happening and what's going on and we communicate with them via social, newsletters and surveys. And we need collaborative decision-making. At the end of the day, I believe good leadership isn’t about telling people what’s best for them—it’s about listening, bringing people together, and making thoughtful decisions that reflect the values of Grove City.
It starts with respect and transparency. You need to listen first, then find common ground and then come up with practical solutions. I believe true leadership isn’t about forcing one side to win, but about creating solutions where the whole community feels represented and respected.
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Occupation
Attorney
Education
Ohio University Bachelor of Arts '12, Master of Arts '14. Capital University Law School '18
Qualifications for Office
A graduate of Ohio University and Capital University Law School, Joel founded The Newby Law Office in 2020. As the Managing Attorney, he represents clients in a wide range of matters with a focus on small business law, contract law, construction law, and civil litigation. He takes pride in helping individuals, entrepreneurs, and growing companies navigate legal challenges.
Preserving What Makes Grove City Special. Grove City has a rich history, a strong sense of community, and a small-town feel that residents deeply value. As Grove City grows, we must make sure we’re not losing the very character that makes people want to live and raise families here.
We do this with Smart and Managed Growth. Growth is coming—what matters is how we grow. Unchecked development strains our roads, schools, and public services. We need thoughtful planning that focuses on smart land use, not just more rooftops and retail.
My first priority is to make sure that developers are asked the right questions when they ask something of City Council. This includes making them provide better quality estimates and reasoning for any tax abatements. This priority will likely save Grove City money, instead of throwing money a poor quality proposals.
Grove City is growing, and some roads weren’t built to handle the current volume. We need targeted solutions for congested intersections and high-traffic corridors—like improved traffic signal timing, turning lanes, and safer crossings. Safety should come first: Residents deserve to feel safe whether they’re driving, biking, or walking.
As for housing, just because I want to take a closer look at development proposals, doesn't mean that I don't want to eliminate costly regulations that do not serve a purpose. Eliminating costly regulations (think requirements about appearance or HOAs), will help promote the building of less expensive housing in the near and short term.
I plan to be available via email, website portals, by phone, and in person. In fact, I plan to walk every neighborhood and talk to people during the summer months. This way I can keep a connection with the community throughout my time in office.
As an attorney, I do this nearly everyday. First we need all the facts and the honest positions of everyone involved. Second, we make sure everyone understands those positions. Third, we build consensus where possible. Finally, where we cannot agree, we take steps that will help everyone involved move forward for the good of Grove City.
