www.coombs4westerville.com

I am committed to building upon my progress and strengthening the partnerships that make Westerville thrive. With integrity and transparency, I will focus on what matters most to our community: keeping our residents safe, supporting our police and fire officers, protecting our values, and ensuring balanced economic growth. Together, we can keep Westerville moving forward towards a brighter future.

My educational background includes a PhD in Public Policy and Administration, as well as a Master of Science degree with a focus on leadership and conflict resolution. I also hold an undergraduate degree in Business Administration. These educational components have equipped me with the skills to listen, build consensus, and lead with integrity and transparency. I have an extensive background (20 years) of service within the Westerville community.

I have been a resident of Westerville for twenty-two years.

I love the fact that the residents have so many opportunities to engage within the community. That engagement can be as little as a one time volunteer commitment or more, such as service on a board or commission. Westerville residents have shown a remarkable ability to come together across all kinds of differences and make this City desired, every single day. It is beautiful and I love it.

Vice-Mayor of the City Council and in the absence of Mayor, represents the city at community functions and ceremonies. City Council Boards: (1) Westerville Industry & Commerce (2) Westerville Education Foundation (3) The Westerville Fund (4) Westerville Finance & Audit Committee and (5) Businesswise. Westerville Chamber of Commerce: Active with Women In Business, volunteer, Business Inclusion Council (founder). Westerville Sunrise Rotarian, Professor @Otterbein University, WARM volunteer.

I believe if issues are contentious, we should approach one another with respect and civility. I lead by example by listening with empathy, focusing on issues rather than personalities, and reminding us of the values we share—like safety, economic stability, and community well-being. By creating spaces for open dialogue and setting a standard for respectful engagement, we can disagree without being disagreeable and work towards solutions that move Westerville forward together.

The most important leadership trait is to adapt a "local focus" commitment to serve the community one was elected to represent. Westerville's elected officials must adopt a policy of "Westerville first".

• Public safety

• Prioritized housing plan

• Economic growth and development that provides livable wages

As our city grows, investing in police and fire ensures faster response times and better training for issues like domestic violence and ICE activities. Supporting smart development, such as mixed-use spaces in Uptown, creates jobs and expands our tax base without losing neighborhood character. We (Councilmembers) should hold listening sessions before major council votes, so that we make sure residents’ voices are heard and trusted in the process. These steps keep Westerville safe, strong, and united.

Tradition and progress in harmony means honoring the history and values that make Westerville unique, while also embracing progressive opportunities that move us forward. I will embody this by protecting the character of our neighborhoods and historic Uptown, while supporting thoughtful development, innovation, and community partnerships that keep Westerville thriving for future generations.

My leadership will also emphasize the business side of the city by ensuring our first responders have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively, supporting smart growth that strengthens our economy, and fostering transparency so that residents know their voices matter.

By combining smart economic growth with a commitment to ethics and sustainability, we can create a thriving business environment that protects the community we are building for future generations. All growth, however, must reflect our values. I will only promote development that balances economic progress with the preservation of our neighborhoods, those that support environmentally sustainable practices in business and city planning, and ensures fairness and transparency in all processes.

I want Westerville to remember me as the leader who always put residents first, the Councilmember who was willing to listen to them, and the person who fought to safeguard the traditions that make our city unique. At every point during my tenure, I want our residents to want to walk alongside me to help led Westerville toward a stronger and brighter future.

While one Councilmember is only one voice, together we are seven—and I want my legacy to be measured by how well we turned individual ideas into collective action for our residents.