CAC to get three new reps as incumbents don't seek re-election
The Clintonville Area Commission election, by all appearances, is to be a low-key affair this year.
All three incumbents – Libby Wetherholt (District 3), Joe Motil (District 6) and Jim Garrison (District 8) – are not seeking re-election.
Three candidates, one in each district, turned in their petitions by the July 28 deadline, meaning no election is to be held Aug. 27, unless a write-in candidate turns in a petition by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5 with 25 valid signatures, according to Ann Henkener, chairperson of the CAC elections committee.
Those candidates' names will not appear on the ballot, Henkener said.
Wetherholt said she’s leaving because it’s time for some new members on the board; Motil is running for mayor of Columbus in 2023 and Garrison moved out of his district.
Wetherholt is to be replaced by Donna Leigh-Osborne, Motil by Mark Moritz and Garrison by Josua Hively.
“I’ve been an active observer of the commission for years,” dating back to a mixed-use development at West North Broadway and North High Street that was not approved, said Leigh-Osborne, who lives on East North Broadway.
“I’m thankful for the nine-plus years of service by District 3 commissioner Libby Wetherholt and was unsuccessful in convincing her to stick around for another term to manage proposed rain gardens on East North Broadway,” said Leigh-Osborne, a real estate broker for the Leigh-Osborne Realty Group. “I’d like to be part of that conversation.”
District 3 is bounded on the south by the center line of Weber Road; on the east by the railroad tracks, just east of Indianola Avenue; on the north by the center line of Oakland Park Avenue; and on the west by the center line of High Street.
Moritz, of Deland Avenue, said he likes living in Clintonville and wants to contribute to the community and make it enjoyable for future generations.
“The main reason is I’ve enjoyed living in Clintonville for a long time, 16 years; feels like forever,” said the professor of anthropology at The Ohio State University.
District 6 is bounded on the south by the center line of Hollenback Road and its westward projection; on the east by the center line of High Street; on the north by the south line of Sharon Township and its eastward projection; and on the west by the Olentangy River.
Hively, of Fairway Drive, owns a HomeVestors of America franchise, also known as "We Buy Ugly Houses."
"I spend my days helping homeowners find their way out of unique and complex situations involving real estate," Hively said. "I also own and manage a portfolio consisting of single-family, small multifamily and commercial real estate here in Columbus.
"I am interested in joining the commission to leverage my skills in communicating and connecting with people to help the community at large and address their concerns and desires," he said.
District 8 is bounded on the south by the center line of Garden Road; on the east by the railroad tracks, just east of Indianola Avenue; on the north by the south line of the Ohio State School for the Deaf and Blind; and the center line of Georgetown Drive and its westward projection; and on the west by the center line of High Street.
The CAC has nine districts and each member serves a three-year, unpaid term. The city of Columbus formally certifies winning candidates, Henkener said.
Current representatives won't begin serving in their positions until the end of the year, when the new members take their seats.
gseman@thisweeknews.com
@ThisWeekGary
This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: CAC to get three new reps as incumbents don't seek re-election
