Public Service, Accountability, and Respecting the Work 

Last night’s City Council meeting was a reminder of how important it is that we model respect—not just for one another, but for the public process itself and the many volunteers, public servants, and professionals who support it.

During public comment, two community members—both residents and volunteer board members—spoke in response to allegations recently raised in blog posts and a Columbus Dispatch article. The claims, pushed by one Council member, suggested a conflict of interest that, to be clear, has not been substantiated.

The speakers addressed Council respectfully and directly. What followed, however, was disappointing. When the Council President moved the meeting forward, the same Council member left the dais—during the meeting—to approach the speakers in the audience. This wasn’t a sidebar after adjournment of the meeting. It was a disruption of a public meeting. It took repeated prompts from fellow Council members to return him to his seat.

This kind of conduct isn’t new. It fits a pattern: public accusations, pressure on staff and volunteers, and repeated efforts to sow distrust. This isn’t about healthy debate—it’s about truth, and how we treat one another. Elected officials have a responsibility to model civility and uphold the standards of public service. Claiming to speak truth to power may sound noble, but when it becomes personal, performative, and divisive, it stops being constructive and starts undermining trust. Challenging ideas is part of the job. Undermining people is not.

Later, during Council reports, that same member framed his recent criticism of our comprehensive planning process as a debate between “experts” and “residents,” as though those who serve the city in professional capacities are somehow at odds with the public and are not to be trusted. That’s a false choice—and a dangerous one. We value lived experience and professional experts, including city staff and consultants we hire to assist the city; both are essential to informed, effective governance.

Worthington has always benefited from residents who bring both lived experience and professional expertise. One doesn’t cancel out the other. Our community boards and commissions rely on community volunteers who give their time and knowledge in good faith. They deserve our gratitude, not unfounded attacks.

Yes, it’s an election year. But that doesn’t give anyone permission to blur the line between inquiry and insinuation. We are here to serve the public—not to seek headlines or cast doubt on those working to make our city stronger.

Let’s keep our focus where it belongs: serving Worthington with integrity, transparency, and mutual respect.