Two newcomers seek City Council District 5 seat

Two political newcomers are seeking the Columbus City Council District 5 seat in the upcoming municipal election.

Democratic nominee Eric Riddle, 43, and Republican nominee Kent Anderson, 55, are vying for the seat after incumbent Republican Tim Shuffett opted not to seek a fourth term on the city council.

The district, which largely maintained its boundaries after the districts were redrawn and the council was expanded following the adoption of second class status, covers much of the northwest side of Columbus along the U.S. 31 corridor and includes NexusPark and Columbus North High School.

Early voting for the municipal election starts Oct. 16. Election Day is Nov. 7.

Q: What are the biggest issues in your district and how would you address them if elected to the city council?

Riddle: The corridor from CRH to Columbus AirPark is in or next to District 5. This includes NexusPark and the colleges. Making wise investments that support well-paying jobs, attract college students, create affordable apartments, ensure safe streets, and provide recreational activities will transform this corridor into a thriving economic hub.

Anderson: Our factories are increasingly automated. Employers can’t find employees; people are having a hard time finding jobs. This speaks to a growing gap between the skills of our workforce and those required by our employers. We need to address this gap to support working families and preserve our industrial tax base.

Q: If elected to the city council, what would be your approach to addressing homelessness in the city?

Riddle: It starts with a foundation of empathy and commitment to providing safety. A new collaborative group devoted to homelessness, similar to our Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress (ASAP) and Mental Health Matters (MHM) Initiative, needs to address this issue. Thankfully, ASAP and MHM have laid the groundwork for finding solutions.

Anderson: To solve a problem, it needs to be clearly defined and understood. We need to conduct a homeless study to identify which root causes are leading root causes. We can then prioritize solutions. We should benchmark other cities and their approaches. Support for people on the verge of homelessness should be identified.

Q: How would you approach the issue of housing affordability in your district?

Riddle: Housing affordability will be a top priority of mine in City Council. I’ve heard strong support for this while campaigning. In July, the Redevelopment Commission approved $150,000 to complete a Columbus housing study. We should have results by spring 2024. Taking action aligned with the affordability recommendations is my goal.

Anderson: Enabling developers to provide a larger quantity of housing, and a broader range of housing options for new areas such as the land being developed by the hospital south of State Road 46 would be a step in the right direction. Zoning and land use policies are central to the solution.