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North Carolina

Karen Gaskins, a former sergeant for the Columbus Police Department, announced her campaign to run for City Council Seat District 1. Gaskins, a resident of Columbus, announced her candidacy as she aims to bring positive change to the community.

Karen Gaskins, a former sergeant for the Columbus Police ...

Karen Dawn Gaskins earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in public administration from Columbus State University.

Karen is a former sergeant for the Columbus Police Department.

Karen is a former sergeant for the Columbus Police Department, who has served in law enforcement for over 31 years.

Karen Gaskins, a former sergeant for the Columbus Police Department, announced her campaign to run for Columbus city council member, District 1.

Supports "smart development in areas that need growth," to ensure that new projects create opportunities while protecting the value of existing neighborhoods.

- Supports "smart development in areas that need growth," to ensure that new projects create opportunities while protecting the value of existing neighborhoods.
- Prioritizes affordable housing.

Economy

As of March 11, 2026, Karen Dawn Gaskins’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Advocates for a community resource center in South Columbus focused on at-risk youth.

- Advocates for a community resource center in South Columbus focused on at-risk youth.

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

LinkedIn

Karen Dawn Gaskins

Simone T Barnes earned a master’s degree in counseling and psychology from Troy University.

As of March 11, 2026, Simeone T Barnes’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports funding for affordable housing initiatives by strengthening partnerships with local non-profits and organizations.

Seeks to ensure the short and long-term economic and environmental sustainability of development aligns with the community’s needs by conducting regular assessments and engaging with local stakeholders.

Committed to ensuring that new development contributes to the economic success of the community by setting clear benchmarks and monitoring progress.

- Supports funding for affordable housing initiatives by strengthening partnerships with local non-profits and organizations.
- Seeks to ensure the short and long-term economic and environmental sustainability of development aligns with the community’s needs by conducting regular assessments and engaging with local stakeholders.
- Committed to ensuring that new development contributes to the economic success of the community by setting clear benchmarks and monitoring progress.

Wants to increase funding for programs that treat the "root causes of crime," such as poverty, education, and limited job opportunities.

Supports funding for mental health and social services to address the "underlying psychosocial issues" that contribute to crime.

Promotes the implementation of evidence-based strategies to reduce crime and ensure that the budget reflects a commitment to safer communities.

- Wants to increase funding for programs that treat the "root causes of crime," such as poverty, education, and limited job opportunities.
- Supports funding for mental health and social services to address the "underlying psychosocial issues" that contribute to crime.
- Promotes the implementation of evidence-based strategies to reduce crime and ensure that the budget reflects a commitment to safer communities.

Simeone T Barnes

- City council members work together with the rest of city council to set and implement city policy. 
- City council is tasked with ensuring the health, comfort, and safety of residents of the city 
- City council members work with the mayor to govern city departments, such as the police department, fire department, transportation department, and parks and recreation department. 
- City council members represent either the whole city or residents of a specific district. 
- Most city council members in Georgia are elected in odd years to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 

Passes laws and regulations for your city.

Columbus City Council Member, Post 1

Candidates (2)