I am constantly inspired by the people and the diverse communities of Columbus. It’s the neighborhood leaders, small business owners, artists, musicians and public servants who help shape the spirit of our city. I’m amazed by the love and support people show for each other and the hard work of everyday people to improve the quality of life in Columbus.

Despite all we’ve accomplished, Columbus is still a tale of two cities. One Columbus thrives with access to good jobs and opportunities. The other Columbus has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country. Columbus ranks in the top five in the nation in economic segregation among major metro areas. We also have major disparities in housing and employment opportunities. The drug crisis is gripping many of our neighborhoods, and too many children and families don’t feel safe in their own homes. This inequity impacts our schools, our neighborhoods and our economy, even as the city continues to grow.

Major developers and corporate CEOs are profiting from the new growth, while many residents are left to wonder if the benefits of the “opportunity city” will reach their neighborhoods. For example, the city announced a deal earlier this year to give away $68 million in tax breaks to a wealthy developer in Easton. As a result, Columbus City Schools are expected to lose roughly $46 million over the next 37 years. The tax burden to support our schools will be passed on to working families and small businesses.

I’m running for City Council because I believe all of us deserve to benefit from the growth of our city. Columbus can be a city with great schools and affordable housing, as well as vibrant arts and culture. We can be a city that prioritizes development that’s inclusive and beneficial to small businesses and residents in every neighborhood. Columbus can be a city where all of us can feel safe, make a decent wage, pay for the basics, and be proud of where we live.

Cities Are Where Positive Change is Possible

I am inspired by cities across the nation where innovation is gaining traction and improving people’s lives in concrete ways. For example, dozens of cities have increased the minimum wage in the past few years. New York, San Antonio and Denver are making pre-K accessible to all children. Community college will be tuition-free for all San Francisco residents starting next fall.

In today’s world, cities are recognizing that internet access is a necessity for job seekers and small business growth. New York City is moving toward near-universal wireless internet over the next six years “at no cost to taxpayers.” City leaders are also recognizing that we can’t wait for the state and federal government to act on climate change. San Diego, CA and Madison, WI have both made commitments to transition to 100% clean and renewable energy. Columbus can lead the way for similar initiatives here in Ohio.

Nov 7 is Your Chance to Vote for a Better Life and a Safer City For All

The election is coming up on Tuesday, November 7, and I believe it’s time for a change in Columbus. We need new leadership who will work toward solutions at the local level to address the critical challenges now facing our city: income inequality, the opiate addiction crisis, infant mortality, the climate crisis, and a broken criminal justice system.

Our democracy is broken at every level, and we deserve better. Even in Columbus, most decisions that directly impact our lives are made behind closed doors by wealthy developers and corporate CEOs who put their own interests over the needs of our communities. If we want to live in a city that prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of all residents, we need to transform our democracy. Together, we can get big money out of politics, starting right here in Columbus.

I’m proud to have the support of Yes We Can Columbus. Yes We Can stands for getting big money out of City Hall, building stronger schools and putting workings families’ interests ahead of wealthy developers and major donors. Yes We Can believes that all of us belong in the conversation to shape the future of our city and they are fighting for everyone’s opportunity to live in thriving neighborhoods. Yes We Can is also supporting Jasmine Ayres for City Council and Erin Upchurch, Amy Harkins and Abby Vaile for Columbus School Board.

While Ohio and Washington continue to move in the wrong direction, we have the opportunity to shape the values and goals that make our city unique. We’re a city that values hard work, optimism, honesty, courage, diversity and inclusion. On November 7, I hope you join me in using your voice and voting to help shape the future of our schools and our city.

– Will Petrik, Candidate for Columbus City Council