By Okon Ekpenyong

If Chris Webb wins a seat in the Whitehall City Council, a Whitehall kid, and a Whitehall-Yearling class of 2004, he will be the first Black male councilmember in its soon to-be 75-year history.

Accessibility

I want to bring accessibility to city hall, with a focus on basic needs and our children. I believe those three desires are the foundation for any thriving community.

Bridge-builder

Just being accessible, transparent, and consistent. I believe if you do that you have the ability to be a bridge-builder because empathy is needed if one is to truly follow through on those qualities.

Whitehall city

Whitehall has four ward-based councilmembers, three at-large councilmembers and a council president. All four wards are on the ballot with my race, Ward 3, the lone one where a new councilmember is guaranteed to win.

The opportunity for my specific race is for Whitehall to elect the first Black male councilmember in its to-be 75-year history.

Campaign

In Whitehall, we were required to be certified in February, in the event a May primary was needed. As there was not, we went straight to November. Collecting signatures was a joy, talking to my neighbors. We needed 15 signatures from registered voters in our ward. I am endorsed by the AFL-CIO, Central Ohio Labor Council.

Field

For our wards in Whitehall, it is a head-to-head race with my opponent being Amy Smith. It has and will finish a clean, positive, and respectful race. I have no ill will towards Ms. Smith and wiish her the best.

I’m just a Whitehall kid, a Whitehall-Yearling class of 2004 graduated, wanting to give back and serve his community. I hope to do so through empathetic leadership, with a focus on ensuring opportunity is afforded to all.