Election (Silly?) Season is Here

Politics in Worthington can get noisy fast, especially when it comes to important issues like development, housing, and community character. We’re heading into Election Season, what many call "Silly Season", and that can mean bold claims, anonymous mailers, and terms like “resident-focused” being used while minimizing real concerns and solutions.

We’ve seen this movie play out: former officials resurfacing to worry people, commentary framed like news but lacking credibility, and campaigns that distract with manufactured controversies rather than addressing what really matters. These tactics create division, cast suspicion on city staff and neighbors, and pull attention away from real solutions.

Here’s the truth: Worthington is changing, whether we like it or not. Growth across Central Ohio is a fact. The real question isn’t if we’ll grow, but how we’ll adapt. Will we plan thoughtfully so growth works for Worthington instead of letting fear and misinformation stop us from shaping our own future? If we don’t, we risk being left behind while other communities move forward.

As we get deep into Silly Season, keep these things in mind: 

• Local governance isn’t about sides. It’s about wrestling with trade-offs, not putting people in boxes. City Council shouldn’t be a battleground; it should be a place of thoughtful debate, transparency, and community care.
  
  

• Intentional planning matters. Growth is coming. We can preserve our identity while adapting—if we do it intentionally and inclusively. Smart planning lets us protect what makes Worthington special while welcoming new people and opportunities.
  
  

• Don’t settle for slogans.  Ask questions!  We have candidates who are very clear about their positions. Don’t be afraid to ask them why. Why are they running? What do they hope to achieve? How will they balance the real trade-offs ahead? The answers to those questions tell you far more than a yard sign or a door hanger ever could.
  
  

• Skip the noise and get the facts. If you’re not sure what’s actually happening, go straight to the source. We have a wealth of information on the city's website: www.worthington.org. City  Council's 2024-2025 two year policy agenda and updates, meeting videos and minutes are all posted online. Development projects have their own pages on the City's website. The Worthington Together website is updated regularly with plans, surveys, and scheduling. City staff are available to answer your questions directly and are very responsive. When you rely on accurate information, credible leadership becomes much clearer.
  
  

• Local leaders set the tone. The best way to keep Worthington thriving is to elect people who show up, listen, and govern collaboratively, and not those who just say the right things during campaign season.
  
  

I'm really proud that our current Council over the last two years has fostered a culture of collaboration and respect that sets that tone.  We have been building momentum that we can’t afford to lose.  I’m leaving City Council after this term, but I care deeply about what we leave behind. Worthington deserves leaders who plan for growth thoughtfully, bring people together, and lead with credibility. Let’s make that the standard.