Five candidates are vying for four at-large Powell City Council seats in the fall election.
Incumbents Tom Counts, David Lester and Kurt Ramsey are seeking reelection. They face challenges from Carlos Crawford and Jonathan Freeman in the nonpartisan race.
Ohio’s general election is Nov. 4, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may cast their ballots early at the Franklin County Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road.
The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. The Dispatch only edited responses for length or clarity.
Counts, Freeman and Lester did not submit responses to the questionnaire.
Meet the Powell City Council at-large candidates
Carlos Crawford
Age: 49
Key issues:
Background: “I currently serve as director of Delaware County’s Public Defender’s Office, overseeing a critical government department. My background includes serving as a civil attorney for the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and as a founding partner of a private law firm. My education includes a Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School, a Master of Science in cybersecurity from Tiffin University and a Master of Science in environmental health from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. This unique blend of law, technology and public health provides expertise in compliance, data privacy, environmental safety and fiscal responsibility.”
Why are you the best candidate? “I am the best candidate because I bring a unique, proven blend of executive leadership, legal expertise and specialized technical knowledge. As the chief public defender for Delaware County, I successfully manage a government office and budget, demonstrating the fiscal prudence and executive oversight necessary for effective council leadership.
“My education is distinctively suited for a modern city: a Juris Doctor, a master’s degree in environmental health from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and a master’s degree in cybersecurity. This combination gives me unparalleled insight into regulatory compliance, public health, infrastructure planning and data security, all critical issues for a growing Powell.
“Furthermore, I have over two decades of continuous service on the boards of nonprofits such as Stratford Ecological Center, SourcePoint and Marion Goodwill Industries, which demonstrates a longstanding commitment to improving our community. I will ensure Powell remains a vibrant, safe and financially responsible place to live and raise a family.”
Kurt Ramsey
Age: 52
Campaign website: Kurt Ramsey Powell City Councilman (Facebook)
Key issues:
Background: “I am presently a Powell city councilman, serving an appointment until the end of 2025. I also have been a Powell Planning and Zoning commissioner for over a year and a half. I have worked as a mechanical engineer for Battelle for 20 years, building armored commercial vehicles for our government. Recently, I was promoted to Warehouse Operations Manager for our entire business. Before Battelle, I worked for the intelligence community in D.C. I have a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Cincinnati, respectively.”
Why are you the best candidate? “I have always felt the strong call to serve my community. I have been invested in Powell ever since moving here over 20 years ago. I believe that people want to know with confidence that I will listen to their voices first, and then act appropriately with my council decisions. I will keep their best interests in mind whenever I make any decision. That is my personal mission. I am motivated to help keep our community safe first, and improve our city for the betterment of its citizens second.
“I have already contributed to the city of Powell recently as a councilman and Planning and Zoning commissioner. These experiences give me a direct advantage in understanding where the city direction has been recently, and where it is headed into the future.
“I love my community and plan to continue to make it a better place to live for us all.”
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Meet 2 of the 5 candidates vying for Powell City Council seats in Nov. 4 election
Reporting by Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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