The clock is ticking down to Upper Arlington's November 4 election, and Leadership UA is lending a hand to voters aiming to sift through the political noise. According to the City of Upper Arlington, in a recent announcement, the nonprofit organization hosted a Candidates Night on Tuesday, September 30, at the Municipal Services Center. It was an opportunity that allowed residents a face-to-face with those poised to slide into city leadership roles.
As part of the pre-election buzz, Upper Arlington residents could mingle informally, beginning at 6 pm, with candidates vying for seats on the City Council and the School Board. By 7 pm, the action shifted to the Council Chamber for more structured candidate remarks. For those who couldn't attend, a remote viewing option via Zoom was available, providing a virtual bridge to the democratic process. Additionally, Leadership UA and the City of Upper Arlington promised to make a recording available on their websites post-event for those interested in a play-by-play.
Four seats at the Upper Arlington City Council decision table are up for grabs - a consequential pivot, as Council Vice President Brian Close and Council Member Jim Lynch are barred by term limits from re-seeking their seats. Meanwhile, Council President Ukeme Awakessien Jeter is eyeing a second term, and a recent vacancy has arrived courtesy of Council member Kathy Adams, who moved out of the community. On the line-up to fill these spots are community members John Cousins, Nic Fortkamp, Laura Oldham, Michael B. Stafford, and Benjamin Tracy, all officially on the ballot per filings with the Franklin County Board of Elections.
The stakes are similarly high for the Upper Arlington School Board's two available seats. Incumbents Lou Sauter and Nidhi Satiani are battling to retain their spots, while Francis C. "Kip" Greenhill is on a quest to notch his first term. Their names will appear on the ballot, ready for voters to render their verdict in the impending election on November 4. The excitement of local governance hangs palpably in the air, a reminder of the power that lies in the hands of the community on election day.
