MattErney.com

I'm running for Westerville City Council to keep our city focused on what matters most - listening to residents, delivering excellent services, and keeping divisive national politics out of local government. I want to help small businesses continue to grow and thrive through my experience. I'll ask good questions and bring creative solutions to the table.

I bring 15 years as a business owner, 13+ years of leadership, and service as a board member with Angelworks supporting children with cancer. Since 2012, I’ve been an active peer member of Vistage International, strengthening my leadership and collaboration skills. My career began as a law clerk, with 8+ years drafting legal briefs, and I hold a Psychology degree from OSU; together providing a strong foundation in leadership, service, and problem-solving.

15 years

Excellence in city services, fiscally responsible, parks & trails nearby for all, old-town charm in uptown, first-class safety services, rich opportunities for growth and development. A community that rallies around each other in times of need. Westerville has always been a family-friendly city that I looked forward to raising my children in.

I am an active member at my parish, St. Paul Catholic Church. My children attend St. Paul school. I love bringing my family to events in the city, including Fourth Friday's, the Music & Art's Festival, 4th of July celebrations, the Field of Hero's, etc. I've been involved with the Westerville Chamber of Commerce since I started my second business based in Westerville, in 2017.

Allow others to talk, listen without judgement, be curious and ask good questions, and then do research to ensure I am educated. I believe that if we all come together to talk without judgement, and we lean in with curiosity, we can find common ground and shared values. We must actively work to avoid personal attacks - and encourage active listening. When having this dialogue in a public forum, we must have clear guidelines for dialogue and mutually agreed-upon expectations.

Curious, creative problem solvers, educated on issues, humility, be a good listener, follow up with residents, bring solutions to the table, fiscally responsible.

• Strengthen Safety Services

• Promote a Family Friendly City

• Champion Smart Fiscal Policies

Continue to invest in infrastructure to ensure the right safety service sizes for adequate, timely response. I will support parents in their vital role of guiding, nurturing, and protecting their children through every stage of growth until adulthood. I'll work to lower the barriers for small businesses, to make more build sites shovel-ready and to create funds for small businesses who've been impacted by a tragedy, like a fire or flood.

To me, it means respecting the past, embracing the future, and finding balance. Tradition provides stability, continuity, and a foundation of shared values, while progress calls us to evolve and stay responsive to today's needs and tomorrow’s opportunities. We should embrace innovation and growth but never lose sight of what grounds us. I believe it’s equally important to rise above the polarizing national politics that divide us and focus instead on what unites and strengthens our community.

My leadership will focus on restoring family values, promoting the common good, and supporting parents in their vital role of raising children. I will support our police, fire, and EMS to keep our community safe. I will also set aside personal agendas, avoid political theater, and listen to the entire community to help foster a safe, resilient, and welcoming Westerville for all families.

I will work to lower barriers for small businesses, prepare more build sites for development, and create relief funds for those impacted by tragedies like fires or floods. I will also meet directly with business owners to hear their ideas and challenges, and work diligently to find creative, ethical, and sustainable solutions that strengthen and grow Westerville's business community.

I hope my legacy will be one of service, integrity, and stewardship. I will work to maintain excellent city services, strengthen connectivity, and preserve our parks and trails. My impact will be measured by whether residents feel heard, supported, and proud to call Westerville home. My goal is to leave the city stronger than I found it, with a foundation for future leaders to build upon.

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