A Letter from Karen
A huge "thank you" to all those who volunteered their time and/or finances to work on my campaign. I also want to congratulate Ms. Barnes and wish her the best. God has blessed me for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people in District 1. Some new friendships will last a lifetime. There are no second guessing because our team gave 110%. To all those residents who have major issues from flooding to sewage coming up in your yard, you must fight. Some deal with drag racing in front of your home and others deal with inconsistent trash pick up. You deserve the city resources you pay for so hold your councilor accountable. Remember your councilor works for you.
Best regards,
Karen Gaskins
Here is the contact information for your District 1 Councilor:
Simi Barnes
Phone #: 706-780-6880
barnes.simi@columbusga.org
PO Box 1340
Columbus, GA 31902
My Pledge to My Constituents
My Platform for Columbus
I’m running because I believe Columbus can be a city where every neighborhood thrives, every family feels safe, and every voice is heard. Here are the priorities I will work toward on your behalf:
Affordable Housing That Strengthens Communities
Every family deserves access to safe, affordable housing. I will support smart development in areas that need growth, ensuring that new projects create opportunities while protecting the value of our existing neighborhoods.
Accountability in City Government
Good government serves the people. That means making sure every department runs efficiently and responsibly. I will push for independent audits and regular employee evaluations, so taxpayer dollars are invested wisely and citizens receive the quality services they deserve.
Safer Streets Through Intervention and Opportunity
Reducing crime requires more than policing — it requires intervention . I will advocate for a community resource center in South Columbus focused on at-risk youth. By providing mentorship, education, and constructive activities, we can lift young people up, open doors to opportunity, and reduce crime in the long run. The community resource center will be a model for all of Columbus.
Open and Honest Leadership
Trust between citizens and government must be rebuilt. I am committed to transparency in every decision and to listening directly to the concerns of our community. We have seen what happens when oversight fails, like with the animal shelter — that cannot happen again. Columbus deserves leadership that is honest, open, and accountable.
