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CITY OF GROVE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER WARD 5

CITY OF GROVE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER WARD 5

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  • Candidate picture

    Amy Cowell
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Mohamed Omar
    (NP)

Biographical Information

What do you see as the one or two most significant challenges facing the community you would serve, and how would you propose to address them?

What are your primary priorities for your term in office, and how would you plan to finance these priorities?

Central Ohio continues to experience a large population growth. How do you propose to address needed changes to infrastructure and housing options in your community based on this increase in population?

How do you plan to engage with residents and community stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard and represented in your decision-making?

Describe your approach to building consensus and resolving disagreements among different community stakeholder groups.

Campaign Phone 6147838385
Campaign Email amybaker13@gmail.com
Campaign Mailing Address 2868 LA ROSA DR
GROVE CITY, OH 43123
Occupation Retail
Education Bachelor of Science Human Resources Management
Qualifications for Office I have previous experience in office, having held a seat on the South-Western City Schools Board of Education. I have the ability to make hard decisions and follow through with them. I have lived in Grove City for most of my life, graduating from GCHS in 1993. My family has been here for a long time, with my great-grandparents coming up from Southern Ohio in the 20s.
Grove City wants a dispensary. I plan on doing everything I can to bring that to the community if I am elected to the Council. The people voted for it, Council has passed resolutions and the Mayor vetoed them. It's time to listen to the people.

Infrastructure needs to be addressed when new development is approved. We need to make sure our roads can handle the traffic new development brings to the area. We need to plan ahead and make sure traffic won't be a disaster ahead of time or at least try to mitigate that as best as possible.
Grove City needs a state of the art community center. A proposal has been presented to Council by Pizzuti and I am in support of their proposal.
One thing that needs to be addressed is affordable housing. When looking for a house, my son was unable to purchase in his home town because it was simply too expensive. He was the fifth generation of my family here. I want our kids to be able to stay where they have grown up. Sometimes people are uncomfortable with the phrase affordable housing but it includes things like townhouses, accessible condos, starter homes young people can actually afford.
I plan on having a Facebook page where residents can reach me, along with my phone number. If anyone wants to meet in person for coffee or lunch, we can do that. I want to be as accessible as possible within my schedule.
You have to negotiate and show each group how things are beneficial for everyone involved. Usually the biggest concern with issues is the cost so you have to show people they are getting a solid return on investment. When I was on the Board of Education, we did contract negotiations every year of my term. I learned quite a bit about resolving disagreements.
Campaign Phone 859-404-5190
Campaign Website http://omarforgrovecity.com
Campaign Mailing Address 2060 SHIRLENE DR
GROVE CITY, OH 43123
Occupation Graduate and Student Services Manager
Education Masters of Education
Qualifications for Office I have a strong background in community engagement, public service, and advocacy. I have worked directly with residents to address concerns, connect people to resources, and build stronger neighborhoods. As the youngest and first Black Muslim candidate to run for Grove City Council, I bring a fresh perspective and lived experience that reflects our community’s diversity.
One of the most significant challenges facing Grove City is the lack of affordable housing. Too many young families, seniors, and working people are being priced out, and we need sustainable housing options that allow residents to live and thrive here. Another challenge is infrastructure, especially traffic and connectivity, which impacts safety and quality of life. I will work to expand affordable housing opportunities, invest in safer roads and responsible growth, and ensure residents have a real voice in shaping the future of our community.
My primary priorities are expanding affordable housing, investing in a community recreation center, improving infrastructure to ease traffic and enhance safety, and supporting small businesses. These priorities will be financed through a mix of responsible budgeting, pursuing state and federal grants, and building partnerships with local organizations. I will also ensure that new development contributes its fair share toward infrastructure and community needs so that growth benefits everyone without placing an unfair burden on residents.
Grove City was originally built for a population of about 22,000, yet we now have more than 45,000 residents and continue to grow. This rapid increase has strained both infrastructure and housing. I propose investing in road improvements, traffic management, and expanded public transit to keep the community moving safely and efficiently. On housing, we must create more affordable and diverse options so that families, seniors, and working people can live here. I will also ensure that new developments contribute to infrastructure and community needs so growth benefits everyone.
I believe government works best when residents are directly involved. I plan to hold regular town halls, listening sessions, and neighborhood meetings so people can share their concerns face to face. I will also use digital tools like surveys, social media, and newsletters to reach those who cannot always attend in person. Beyond listening, I will create clear follow-up so residents see how their input shapes decisions. By engaging community stakeholders, local organizations, and everyday residents, I will ensure that Grove City’s future is built with the voices of the people at the center.
My approach to building consensus starts with listening. I believe every stakeholder deserves to feel respected and heard, even when opinions differ. I will work to identify shared goals, focus on common ground, and bring data and community input into the conversation to guide solutions. When disagreements arise, I will encourage open dialogue, transparency, and compromise that prioritizes the best interests of residents as a whole. By creating a collaborative environment, I can help move Grove City forward in a way that reflects the values and needs of all community members.