A common-sense approach to guns in public places At the September 23 City Council Meeting, a proposal was put forth to submit to Georgia Greater Assembly. The Greater Assembly decides which ordinacnces or proposals are allowed to go on onto election ballot for voter decision. A proposal was submitted to restrict gun use/possession inside recreation centers. The proposal and ignitied a robost discussion of gun rights versus public safety. A large motivation stemmed from a recent shooting at one of the larger rec centers. Gun policy is one of those issues that easily turns into shouting matches — but most people, regardless of their politics, want the same practical thing: fewer tragedies, safer streets, and respect for lawful owners. A “common-sense” approach focuses on measures that reduce risk without trampling on legitimate rights: sensible rules that prevent guns from getting into the hands of people in crisis or breaking the law, that keep children and bystanders safe, and that sup

As someone with deep aviation, working knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration, and airport management experience, I want to clear up confusion: Columbus Airport is owned by an independent commission seaparate from the city of Columbus, GA, but ICE flights are federal operations. The city and airport staff have no role in approving or managing them. What the commission and aiport staff can control is making sure our airport physical infrastructure serves you — by expanding travel options, attracting business, and strengthening our local economy. I have used this example in the past; the city may own the roads (mostly) in its municipalities but it does not regulate the rules of the vehicles using them. The commission has no interation with air crews over manifest no more than it does over Delta and over public or private ariframs that use Columbus Airport. I believe knowing the difference in what we can and cannot control is important in any municipal decision making process. Trans

I make it a point to avoid any critique of our council and I hold to that. My perspective today is about the voice of the people, the business of the city, and the progress of Columbus. Columbus City Council meeting schedule for September 10 has been postponed due to a lack of quorum. The rescheduled date is Tuesday, September 16 at 9am. We all know Life happens. Car issues, kids, hospital stays; we’ve all been there. Meetings sometimes get delayed, but the work of the people should never be put on hold. On behalf of my wife and I, I wish great health, healing, and recovery for all things that kept our elected officials from meeting their quorum. To my point, this is why showing up matters. As your candidate for City Council Post Seat 9 At-Large, I will show up, be present, and ensure your concerns are heard—because Progress, Change, and Growth don’t happen when chairs are empty. This moment is a reminder that accountability and commitment are essential for moving Columbus forward.

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

Homelessness in Columbus is not just a housing issue — it’s a matter of dignity, safety, and opportunity. As a retired Army veteran and lifelong community servant, I believe that no one should be left behind, whether they once wore the uniform or worked in our local mills. Prevention and Services: My experience with transitioning veterans has taught me that stability requires more than temporary fixes. By extending job training, mental health care, and addiction recovery services to all residents — not just veterans — we can stop homelessness before it starts. Economic Opportunity: Housing people isn’t charity — it’s economic development. When residents have stable housing, they rejoin the workforce, support their families, and strengthen our tax base. I will fight for federal grants Columbus has left untapped and build public-private partnerships, including “second chance” hiring initiatives with local employers. Public Safety with Compassion: We cannot arrest our way out of this cris