Is City Council merely a popularity contest?

Or is it about electing the candidates who represent what you believe, and where you want Worthington to be in five to 10 years?

This election season, I see political yard signs around town. Some of the yard sign groupings make sense. Others do not.

For example, you might see a Ramirez sign with a Robinson sign. From a development and economic policy standpoint (which are the only real policies impacting Worthington), these two seem to have two completely different stances.

Putting a Hermann sign with a Sharvin sign is similar.

Seeing these kinds of mix-ups leads me to believe that voters are relying on candidate likability and popularity instead of understanding the issues, and the differences between the candidates.

Yes, all the candidates are likable. The candidate who defaults to childish name calling and insults me in front of my daughter – even she is likable (more or less).

Of course, there is nothing stopping voters from choosing someone who is likable – even if you disagree with their policy stances. But don’t you want better? Don’t you want candidates who truly reflect your ideals and who will protect your interests?

If you watched the candidate forum and podcast, and read their campaign literature, you know some of the candidates are very much in favor of changing the city’s zoning to allow for high-density housing, increasing Worthington’s population potentially by thousands.

• If you like the idea of adding many multi-family apartments and housing throughout Worthington;

• if you like the idea of adding more cookie cutter establishments like Five Guys and Chick-fil-A throughout the city,

• if you like the idea of spending millions of dollars from our surplus on projects that were already voted on for a lesser amount, then your choice is clear.

Other candidates take a more resident-centered approach to housing development and economic development. They want to see Worthington advance in responsible ways while protecting Worthington unique character and charm. They believe is development of reasonable housing and positive economic development to support our city income tax and services.

Being intimately involved in city affairs for 12 years, and as an active watchdog behind the scenes the past two years, I hope I am providing you with helpful insights. If you have questions or want names of candidates that meet these descriptions, let me know.