MEET SIMI
Dear Columbus,
My name is Simi Barnes, and I am the daughter of the late Jerry “Pops” Barnes. I want to start by pointing out just how much he loved his constituents and how much he loved to serve. Dad was nothing short of consistent, from sitting at Walmart on Saturdays to standing out on the spider-web waving, for no other reason but to assure his constituents that he was there for them; he was a true example of what a public servant was and should be. He loved what he did, and it is an honor to follow in his footsteps. As much as Dad loved Columbus, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for how much you loved him. Your embrace of Dad means so much to our family, and we deeply appreciate the way you loved and supported him.
When I was five years old, my dad became a single parent. During his tenure as a solo parent, he instilled values such as perseverance and dedication, values which have now allowed me to carry his vision to completion.
Growing up, my dad taught me the value of education, which led me to pursue my master’s degree in counseling and psychology from Troy University in 2005. I later became a licensed Professional Counselor in 2009. Since that time, I have worn many hats. From helping hundreds of unhoused individuals secure housing to supporting numerous military families through challenging deployments and reintegration to transitioning to working with individuals with sexual trauma in 2018, my experience has run the gamut, but one thing that has not changed is my commitment to serving others, regardless of industry, has stayed the same.
As your city councilwoman, I will support initiatives that fund mental health and job training, make it a priority to improve housing accessibility, and be a clear voice for those who are listened to the least, but need to be heard the most. If granted the honor of serving as your councilwoman, I would do so in the same spirit as my Dad, honoring his legacy while building one of my own.
Simi
Simi's Platform
Transparency and Democracy
Transparency is not just another campaign slogan but a deeply held value that was passed down from my great-grandmother to my dad and from my dad to me. Transparency requires openness and honesty, and it calls for listening and learning from the very citizens whose voices matter the most. As your councilwoman, I pledge not only to listen but also to share the reins of democracy because, as a community, we lead together, making this city better, every step of the way.
- Quarterly in-person town hall meetings where constituents can ask questions, share ideas, and voice their concerns.
- Work collaboratively with other leaders without colluding. If elected, I will represent the needs of the citizens of District 1, and not the needs of those in power.
- Support the implementation of technology that enhances efficiency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
Community-oriented Development
Community-centered development is development that has one thing in mind: you. As a growing city, responsible development is essential; we can build and continue to preserve the history, culture, and character that make Columbus great. Together, we can meet the demands of growth while ensuring that we leave a vibrant city for the generations to come.
- Support funding for affordable housing initiatives by strengthening partnerships with local non-profits and organizations.
- Ensuring the short and long-term economic and environmental sustainability of development aligns with a community’s needs by conducting regular assessments and engaging with local stakeholders.
- Do my diligence to ensure that new development contributes to the economic success of our community by setting clear benchmarks and monitoring progress.
Public Safety and Health
Columbus deserves peaceful and vibrant communities. To achieve this, we must adopt a holistic approach to addressing crime, which includes community engagement, mental health support, and economic development. In addition to retaining our local law enforcement talent, we must collaborate with community leaders, social services, and educational institutions to thoroughly examine the underlying causes of crime and implement evidence-based solutions that have been proven through data and research to effectively reduce crime.
- Increase funding for programs that treat the root causes of crime, such as poverty, education, and limited job opportunities.
- Support funding for mental health and social services to address the underlying psychosocial issues that contribute to crime.
- Support the implementation of evidence-based strategies to reduce crime and ensure that the budget reflects our commitment to safer communities.
Get Involved
Volunteer Roles Include:
- 🚪 Door-to-door canvassing
- ☎️ Phone & text banking
- 🪧 Yard sign delivery
- 📍 Event staffing & setup
- 💻 Digital outreach & social media
- 🧁 Hosting a house party or fundraiser
