Don't Forget Who Put You There

First, let me congratulate the new members of the Columbus City Council: Simi Barnes, Sherrie Aaron, Dr. Cathy Cook, Becca Zajac, and let me include Travis Chambers. The voters have entrusted you with an incredible responsibility, and with that responsibility comes accountability.

Now that the campaigns are over and the celebrations have ended, I offer a simple piece of advice: Don't forget who put you there.

Too often, elected officials arrive at City Hall and suddenly develop amnesia. They begin to see themselves as part of the establishment rather than representatives of the people who sent them there. The neighborhoods they once walked through become distant memories. The concerns they once championed become secondary to fitting in with the political crowd.

Don't let that happen.

To Dr. Cathy Cook and Travis Chambers, yes as at-large representatives, you represent the entire city. Every citizen deserves fair and equal representation regardless of race, income, or neighborhood. But representing everyone does not mean forgetting the communities that believed in you, supported you, and worked to help you succeed.

Let's be honest about what happened in this election.

The Black church showed up. Black voters showed up. Black civic organizations showed up. Black media provided platforms, information, and engagement. Community leaders spent countless hours encouraging participation. Many people who had grown frustrated with division, controversy, and dysfunction decided they wanted something different.

That support mattered. And that is especially true for you, Becca Zajac. As you prepare to represent a district that is more than 60 percent Black that reality should not be overlooked or forgotten. Your election was made possible by a coalition of voters who believed in your leadership and entrust you with the responsibility of serving their interests alongside those of the entire district.

With the exception of Ms. Barnes who has already shown that she is one who will speak up and not be manipulated, the same goes for the rest of you. This election was not simply an endorsement for change. It was also a rejection of the negativity, division, and turmoil that many residents felt had become too common in city government. Voters were sending a message about the direction they wanted Columbus to move.

The challenge now is staying grounded.

Do not become so eager to be accepted by the existing power structure of Glenn Davis, Charmaine Crabb, Toyia Tucker and Walker Garrett that you lose sight of the people who elected you. Do not become so concerned about fitting in that you stop standing up when difficult decisions must be made. Leadership requires courage. Sometimes it requires standing alone. Sometimes it requires saying no when everyone around you is saying yes.

The people who voted for you are not looking for another politician. They are looking for leaders. Leaders who will ask tough questions. Leaders who will demand transparency. Leaders who will treat city employees with dignity and respect. Leaders who will remember that public office is not about personal status; it is about public service.

The community is watching. Not because we want you to fail, but because we want you to succeed. Success for you means success for Columbus. But understand this: support should never be confused with a blank check.

The same voters who elected you will evaluate your record. The same community that celebrated your victory will pay attention to your decisions. Accountability does not end on Election Day; that is when it begins.

As Scripture reminds us, God has a way of humbling the proud and elevating the faithful. He has a way of making your enemies your footstool and vindicating those who remain committed to truth and justice. Stay grounded. Stay humble. Stay connected to the people.

Remember where you came from. Remember who stood with you. And most importantly, remember why you ran in the first place.