Dr. Coutanya Coombs – City Council Candidate
What motivated you to run at this moment in Westerville’s development?
What motivated me to seek re-election to the Westerville City Council was my desire to see the agendas, issues, and plans I thoughtfully voted on in Westerville come to fruition. Through my work as a council member and as Vice-Mayor, I have seen how thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and sound financial stewardship can genuinely improve the quality of life for our Westerville residents. Additionally, I want to ensure that Westerville continues to grow responsibly—balancing growth and progress with preservation and opportunities for jobs that provide livable wages.
What have you heard from residents that’s challenged or reshaped how you view the city’s priorities?
What I am hearing from residents is concerns about the fast pace at which we are growing, their desire to see more safety officers patrolling their neighborhoods, and the robust traffic. This is an indicator that they may not be aware of the entire picture, and that the City and Council must do a better job of continuously educating the public about what they are doing and their plans within any five-year budget period. I contend that Westerville’s growth and safety factors, and financial conditions, are not haphazard, but are the result of carefully thoughtful preparations of previous councils. Current and new council members must be prepared to investigate, adapt, or remove any situations that may no longer be relevant, having been informed before their seating on the City Council.
What do you believe Westerville needs to hold onto as it continues to grow?
As Westerville continues to grow, it must be willing to preserve its historic Uptown, its traditions such as the 4th of July parade, Pumpkin Glo, and Snowflake Castle. Further, it is important that we continue to build and maintain our level of partnerships with businesses and organizations in the Westerville areas.
How do you approach decisions that create winners and losers, like development projects that benefit one part of the city over another?
When making decisions that may create opposition based on the issue at hand, such as development projects or medical marijuana, I focus on the impact to all, fairness, transparency, and balance. I try to listen to as many perspectives, especially from those who may be directly impacted by the issue. My decisions are based on data and community values. Growth is important, but listening to the residents is just as important. That is why I avail myself to hosting weekly “Chat with your council member sessions.” It creates a safe space for residents to talk to me, one-on-one about their concerns. However, decisions must reflect what makes Westerville special—strong neighborhoods, opportunity for all, and responsible stewardship of our resources.
What does a balanced approach to growth look like to you?
A balanced approach to growth means ensuring that new development does not necessarily happen at the expense of others. It means that the good of the many does not always outweigh the good of the few. For example, if the decision to build a new neighborhood or to add a business park, then all factors should be considered. How does this impact traffic flow? Are there already three burger doodles within a mile of each other, or what would be the positive and negative impact of placing a business in that particular spot, and how would it impact green space and parks? The key is to obtain the opinion of the residents, especially those who live nearby, and perhaps to form a group that includes representation from those directly affected. Actively listening to residents early in the process is the key to making good decisions. The City of Westerville has a five-year comprehensive plan that is available online. Residents should bear some of the responsibility in knowing what’s going on, as do the City and City Council in conveying information when questioned.
When you think about the East of Africa project, what’s your biggest hope—and your biggest concern?
My hope for the East of Africa project is that Westerville can attract major corporations to utilize the space as corporate offices. This will minimize the need for large trucks making deliveries and reduce traffic on weekends. Perhaps include some kind of family activity, such as bike/walking trails. I would not like to see drive-thru eateries or types of businesses that cannot pay livable wages.
How do you respond to residents who feel that older neighborhoods are being left behind?
I would first ask the residents what it is that they are seeking. When older neighborhoods are left behind, the consequences extend far beyond their boundaries. Resentment and opposition build because residents begin to feel disconnected from the progress happening elsewhere in the city. Older neighborhoods represent the stability and history of a person’s life. Not everyone wants to live in a new home. Some have paid off their home and are content to stay in place. They do, however, want the City to maintain the sidewalks, have safety patrol services, and to support small businesses that may exist. To that extent, it means maintaining infrastructure is of equal importance, such as leaf pickup services, assuring they have a place to park when large gatherings encompass their parking spaces. It means ensuring that every resident—no matter where they live—has access to safe streets, quality parks, and dependable city services.
What’s one way you would bring more public insight or influence into large-scale planning decisions?
I would put out notices online, in the Westerville newsletter, in public areas, parks, community centers, etc., that small gatherings will take place for discussions before a commitment or public vote takes place.
How do you see the city’s current zoning code affecting the range of housing types available, including for first-time buyers and renters?
I think the current zoning codes, such as their outdoor spaces, trails, etc., are good for now. However, the housing portion needs work. We are not first-time buyer-friendly primarily due to the housing costs in Westerville. The senior “stay in place” grant program is a viable, and the accessible dwelling plan (ADU) helps, but more can be done in the overall area of housing.
How should city leaders weigh resident identity and neighborhood character against financial returns?
Many of our neighborhoods have unique identities; they are more than buildings—they hold secrets of a long-ago swing set. They represent a time when we could play outside into the night, or swing on a glider on our front porch. When we make decisions, we have to think about the joy someone had growing up in or near Uptown Westerville. So we should balance financial growth with preserving the character and identity that residents value. By engaging the community and seeking creative solutions, we aim to grow responsibly and ensure every neighborhood remains a place people are proud to call home.
What kind of partnership should exist between council and residents, not just legally, but in spirit?
I believe the best decisions come from strong partnerships between the council, city management, and the residents. This means engaging the community early, listening to diverse perspectives, and creating opportunities for residents to buy in and support the impending projects. When people elect a council member to represent them, they have several factors to consider, realizing no one person will fulfill them all. Success looks like a council that is informed of its by-laws, charter, and Robert’s Rules of Order. Success looks like a council member who has prepared for the council meeting, and is not afraid to ask questions. Success is knowing who you are as a council person and not saying “ditto.” Success is handling our business like a business, in both attire, professionalism, and not in an overly familiar manner. Success is a council not appearing to rubber stamp any items, but to one who has given much thought to the issue at hand. I want people to trust me and to know that the decisions that I make will also impact me. I want to be as transparent as possible, and to be held accountable. Further, I must hold the rest of the council accountable also. My presence on council cannot be purchased by multi-endorsements, and my focus is on Westerville, not in hopes of any future legislature or senate position. Those are state issues in which I am expected to lawfully follow. I understand why I was elected, which is to pay the bills of Westerville, oversee management of its funds, and to listen and engage with the residents.
What do you want future residents to thank this council for?
I do not want them to thank me, I thank them. I thank them for engaging, attending the meetings, and speaking their voice. I thank them for engaging in the democratic process of a city council. I thank them for allowing us to serve them, to stand with them each in our own way, but understanding their rights and concerns. I thank them for engaging with council members so that we can get it right, and for coming back to re-raise the issue when we don’t.
