Whitehall is a municipality in Franklin County in the state of Ohio on the North American continent on planet Earth spinning within the Milky Way galaxy surrounded by the vastness of the universe, and while this simple truth puts Whitehall into perspective in the larger scheme, for those of us who call it home, it is the center of our universe. That is what makes Whitehall important when set against the broader picture. It is our home, these are our neighborhoods, it is our city to steer and command as not only we see fit but also to make of as we envision and direct it to be. We. In that, the possibilities are endless and exciting.

This city has the ability to be more than average, let alone below. With enough dedication to honest truth, imagination, creativity and working together, mentally as well as physically for our goals, I believe we can have a city like no other in Central Ohio. Gone should be the days where the same old/same old rules because it keeps giving us, quite frankly, the same old/same old it always has and if you’re like me, I think we can expand beyond that into new territories. Those who came before us, not only in this country but this city as well, laid a solid foundation for us all. I believe, working from that groundwork with a fearless ‘yes’ mentality and a bright, positive belief that we can accomplish anything we want, not only can we have an above-average city but we can have an awesome one too.

The groundwork for our phoenix to rise has been laid out in our city’s all too clear decline, that which we must candidly acknowledge. However, the best thing about having a fall is the clean slate it produces which enables a ripe opportunity to begin anew. That which is ours to participate in together. Not a futile grasp to reclaim what was lost nor a wistful trip back down memory lane to Whitehall’s glory days but rather, glory days anew for us here, now. This cannot be accomplished if the drivers you have chosen are constantly looking in the rearview mirror or pretend that everything is hunky-dory.

What you must demand of those who ask to lead you to this better Whitehall, for your benefit, is not just some level of intelligence or professional acumen but also heaps of common sense and reason, wisdom from life’s experiences, an understanding of life’s bigger pictures, an appreciation for their fellow man, (all of them) honesty, forthrightness, ethics as priority, respect for law and an innate care, belief in and comfort with their fellow citizens. So too, heart. Heart is important. With those to guide them and an active mind, there truly is no limit to how far this city can rise.