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Campaign Finance update: 2021

Written by David Robinson on . Posted in City Council, Ethics

During the 2019 City Council campaigns I wrote a blog post about the “unprecedented influx of developer-related money” into our local campaigns (https://davidrobinsonblog.com/2019/10/open-letter-to-the-public-unprecedented-in-the-history-of-worthington-an-influx-of-large-amounts-of-developer-related-money/).  This issue of money in our local politics received new impetus this week when recently submitted campaign finance reports show a $10,000 campaign contribution this year (from a non-Worthington resident) to City Council candidate Mike Duffey.  The basic problem that I see here (which is part of what I focused on in my 2019 post) is that donations of this magnitude “threaten to eclipse the voices of Worthington’s own residents.”

Following the conclusion of the 2019 election, I spoke with Council leadership about enacting campaign finance reforms here in Worthington (which we have the ability to do for local offices), but my ideas were not embraced, and I was unable to move the reforms from concept to reality.  But I will try again in 2022, with a new Council, advocating for limits on the size of contributions and—another good idea I believe—expanded reporting requirements. I welcome any further ideas from the public on how we can keep our local politics focused on ideas and policies that are of, by, and for the residents of Worthington.

David Robinson

David Robinson lives in Worthington with his wife, Lorraine, and their three children—two who attend Phoenix Middle School, and one who is a graduate of the Linworth High School Program and Otterbein University. David is President and co-owner of Marcy Adhesives, Inc., a local manufacturing company. David has served on Worthington City Council since January, 2018, and is deeply committed to 1) advancing resident-centered policies, 2) supporting responsible development that enhances our unique historic character, 3) endorsing environmentally sustainable practices for both residents and city operations, 4) promoting the safety and well-being of all residents, and 5) preserving the walkable, tree-filled, distinctive, friendly nature of our neighborhoods.