Why Events Like the Columbus Fair Matter to Our City The announcement that the Columbus Fair canceled is more than just a schedule change—it’s a significant loss for our entire community. For years, the fair has been a beloved citywide tradition, drawing thousands of residents and visitors over its two-week run. It’s a space where families make memories, local vendors thrive, and our city gets to showcase its unique spirit. When a city loses a major attraction like this, it’s not just about what disappears from the calendar. It’s about what disappears from the community experience. Traditions like the fair give residents something to look forward to, give young people a sense of belonging, and give outsiders a reason to visit Columbus again and again. I hope to be part of a solution to ensure traditions like the Columbus Fair are secured for all to attend and enjoy.

As a retired Army veteran, I was proud to attend the Veteran Resource Fair here in Columbus. Events like these highlight the importance of making sure veterans and their families know what resources, services, and support are available to them. For me, this isn’t just about attending—it’s about showing that visibility, accessibility, and support must be the foundation of leadership. Veterans have given so much to our nation, and as a candidate for Columbus City Council Post 9, I believe it is our duty to ensure they feel that same commitment returned to them at home. This fair was a reminder that elected officials and candidates should be present—not only during election season but year-round—listening, learning, and working to remove barriers for those who have served. My campaign is rooted in service, fairness, and practical solutions, and I will continue to stand alongside our veterans and their families to ensure their needs are met with respect and urgency.

Today we remember and honor the resilience of a nation that stood together in the face of tragedy. This past weekend, Columbus honored the 343 firefighters who ascended the towers. The event modeled a climb equal to the number of steps they took on 9/11. I participated to the best of my ability. I may not have completed the three (3) circuits asked, but as the organizer reminded everyone, just give us your best. The fire fighters gave us thier best and their all. In full gear, in the most horrific of conditions, risking everything for many they never know. If we could only harness some of that for people we do know, I imagine it would be easier to connect with one another. Thank you! In memory of the 343.

Crime exist in all small, medium, and large cities. Columbus is no excepition to the fate of bad actors, however there is something to be said about comparison. There is something to be said about scale and there is something to be said about contributing factors. In the respect of comparison, Columbus ranks 2nd (size and population according to last census) in Georgia. I have lived in several cities of same or large size. Columbus does have a rate of violent and home property damage crime slightly higher than national average of other cities of same size. All that being said, the approach to crime can get scattered..... there is no silver bullet, when the factors that contribute to crime vary so broadly. When major economic factors change in the city, they have an impact on the surrounding area. Loss of jobs can lead to higher competition of some jobs while contributing to unemployment of others. Not giving an excuse or pass but these things happen. An approach to reducing crime is re