Q&A with Karen Gaskins, candidate for District 1 seat on Columbus Council
Editor’s note: This is one of the Ledger-Enquirer Q&As with candidates running for a contested seat on the Columbus Council. Early voting for the 2026 local nonpartisan election, which coincides with the Georgia primary, begins April 27, and election day is May 19.
The 10-member Columbus Council’s District 1 seat is filled by Byron Hickey, who isn’t seeking reelection. Competing for the seat are licensed professional counselor Simi Barnes, daughter of the late Councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes, and retired Columbus police officer Karen Gaskins.
Here is the Ledger-Enquirer’s emailed interview with Gaskins:
Why are you running for this position?
“Our city government has forgotten who it works for: the people of Columbus. Many residents are feeling the impact of the lack of maintenance on streams and runoff, causing foundation issues with no one taking responsibility. That is unacceptable. District 1 deserves a councilor who will listen, demand answers, and stay on a problem until it’s fixed, not until the paperwork is passed off. I’m running for Columbus City Council District 1 because I will fight for the people, cut through the excuses, and make sure their tax dollars actually deliver the basic services they are entitled to.”
Why should Columbus District 1 residents vote for you?
“I am a problem solver and possess a heart for the people. This city needs a leader that is results-driven. No hidden agenda, just the desire to give all people a voice and the opportunity to thrive. I will hold others accountable for doing what is best for the people and be transparent in my decision-making. I have rallied people together to fight against the machine and have won. It is obvious that I have the skills, ability, and experience to lead. A vote for me is a vote for the people.”
What is the most significant problem you want to address, and what will be your solution if elected?
“We have many problems in our city that must be dealt with. A significant problem is the lack of affordable housing. That is why I will address targeted affordable housing, which will provide smaller homes, resulting in affordability. The Georgia Tech study revealed that Columbus needs smaller homes with a price tag in the $150,000.00 range. Incentives can be given to developers to invest in affordable housing. While building new homes next to existing older neighborhoods, the unintended consequences must also be considered for those neighborhoods.”
What is your occupational and educational background?
“I possess a Bachelor’s of Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, along with additional training through GBI and FBI related to my career. My occupational background consists of a total of thirty-four plus years in Law Enforcement here in Columbus. Twenty years were spent as a supervisor working with detectives to reach the department’s goals. My skills and abilities were used by surrounding counties to assist them in their homicide investigations.”
What is your community involvement and history of leadership roles?
“Over the last three years, I have and continue to serve as the President of the Sears Woods Neighborhood Association. Creating and implementing programs/socials to bring our community together. I led the efforts of 8 subdivisions to fight 3 different rezoning attempts that the people won. Serving on the Animal Oversight Board as co-chair for the city, I have assisted with updating city ordinances. Currently, I am mentoring two families on the South End of Columbus.”
What else should the L-E’s readers know about your campaign?
“My campaign is completely funded by everyday people who have felt led to support me in this endeavor. No fundraising has taken place, yet God delivered. The decision to run for the District 1 council seat was not made lightly. Much thought and prayer went into this decision. By serving as your councilor, I will lose $20,000.00 a year in income. The salary of a councilor exceeds the amount of income allowed while on disability. Being retired provides me the time to invest fully in serving the constituents of District 1.”
How to learn more about the candidate
Gaskin’s campaign website is Karengaskins4columbus.com. Her campaign’s Facebook page is “Karen Gaskins 4 Columbus.”