Whitehall is changing, and not everyone is happy about it. Mayor Michael Bivens and Councilmembers Harcar and Elmore join us to break down the citizen-led recall effort targeting city leadership, the misinformation fueling it and what's really at stake for the folks who call Whitehall home.

For more information: yesforprogress.com

Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Michael Cole, candidate for Ohio House District 2, joins us to talk about growing up in Cleveland and how an early interest in politics led him to the school board, and now a run for the Statehouse.

We get into Education Choice, the lack of buy-in for public education at the state level and why the school district is in the financial place it's in. He breaks down his work on the board, what he'd do differently, and what it looks like to advocate for public education with a Republican-led legislature at odds with it.

Plus, the property tax conversation, the resolve he says is needed at the Statehouse, and how he’s thinking about managing Columbus' growth.

For more on Michael Cole's campaign: cole4ohio.com

Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Charity Martin-King, candidate for Ohio House District 2, joins us to talk about her history of community work, taking up space as a Black woman in politics and why she sees this work as bigger than politicians.

She shares her background working with youth and entrepreneurship, including the Urban Spirit coffee shop and in the nonprofit space, and how that shapes her approach to policy. We also revisit the murder of Makiah Bryant and what it means to protect Black girls.

We get into school funding and lack of choice, and how she's thinking about tackling education more broadly. Plus, her takes on agriculture, renewable energy, data centers, rising utility costs, property taxes, minimum wage and accountability, including what it looks like to fight for our community while up against a Republican supermajority.

Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

For more info on Charity's campaign: campaign4charity.com

Chana Wiley, of Columbus Safety Collective and Ohio Families Unite for Political Action and Change, returns to CCW to talk about Issue 5: the May ballot initiative aimed at changing how Columbus responds to mental health calls by sending trained responders instead of police.

She shares the story of her brother, Jaron Thomas, revisiting his mental health episode, the moments leading up to his killing, and how she says police treated her in the aftermath. We also get into the turbulent journey to get this initiative on the ballot, the pushback she faced, and how police have responded.

Plus, what this could look like if and when it passes, and what folks need to know before they vote.

Read more about Issue 5 here: cbussafety.org/campaign

Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Aleena Starks of Ohio Working Families Party and guest host Jasmine Ayers join us on the podcast for a conversation on progressive politics statewide. They explore the challenges of running as progressives, the flaws in traditional and establishment Democratic strategy and the importance of bringing in Black voters. They also talk about their personal journeys to progressive politics, building community power and the pressing need for authentic candidates.

Subscribe to Columbus Can't Wait on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ for video.

Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Dr. Jermaine Kennedy, in our final Columbus City School board candidate interview, discusses his personal journey from being a troubled student to an education leader.We cover his background, the critical role of mentorship played in his life, and his work in community and educational organizations. He also shares his thoughts on school closures, budget issues and building partnerships for student support and success.

Please note: We reached out to all candidates in the Columbus City School board race.

Hosted by Taijuan. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Our next school board candidate is Dr. Antoinette Miranda. She joins us on the podcast to discuss her vision for improving Columbus City Schools. She talks about her background in education and psychology, the importance of behavioral interventions, the role of leadership in schools, raising children and being married to a teacher at CCS, and her commitment to building trust and transparency between the school board and the community.

Hosted by Taijuan Moorman. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Our next Columbus City School board candidate on the podcast is Janeece Keyes. We talk about her experience as a first-time candidate, her organizational background, connecting with voters and her vision for the future of the school district.

A parent of four children who attended Columbus City Schools, she emphasizes the need for parental engagement, transparency in board decisions, and support for both student and teacher needs through innovative solutions and community involvement.

Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Kimberley Mason, candidate for Columbus City School board, joins us on the podcast to discuss her background in mental health and higher education and how that shapes her vision for CCS. A CCS parent and former PTO president, her focus is on improving how the district communicates with families and shows up for students.She also discusses school closures, budget cuts, and the need for the board to reflect community voices. She also calls for more workforce development, additional support for student mental health and creative solutions for absenteeism that keep kids engaged.Subscribe to Columbus Can't Wait on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ for video.

Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.

Mounir Lynch, candidate for Columbus City Schools, shares his candidacy experience and how he’s working to engage voters and build trust. Raised on the importance of social justice and shaped by his time at CAHS and CCS, Lynch discusses his work as a health educator serving disenfranchised groups, his motivations for running, and his promise to hold the system accountable.

He weighs in on district leadership, funding risks and creative solutions, the fight with charter schools over transportation, and state bills affecting students. Lynch also talks about improving communication on the board, supporting trans and immigrant students, expanding the Columbus Promise, and strengthening ties with teachers.

Subscribe to Columbus Can't Wait on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ for video.

Hosted by Tareya. Recorded and shot at Statehouse Studio. Executive Producers: Tareya Palmer and Taijuan Nichole Moorman.