Q&A with Charmaine Crabb, seeking reelection to District 5 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 5 seat is filled by property manager and real estate agent Charmaine Crabb, who is seeking reelection. She is competing against Robert Wadkins Jr., an attorney with Columbus law firm Wadkins, Wallace & Danley.
Here is the Ledger-Enquirer’s emailed interview with Crabb:
Why are you seeking reelection?
“I want to continue to serve the Citizens and be part of the transition team. We will have a new Mayor and will also be selecting a new City Manager and Police Chief. These are essential positions in our government. I have the experience and knowledge to make these decisions and work with them to improve our roads, right of ways, parks and facilities and keep our Citizens safe.”
Why should District 5 residents vote for you?
“Citizens want certain actions from their representative and I have a proven track record of delivering on their expectations. I answer my phone, return calls, texts and emails, listen to their concerns in order to make the best decision and take the correct actions in order to resolve the issues. Citizens want a proven leader they can trust.
“I have built that trust by making the right decision, no matter how difficult that decision may be and stand behind the decision. I admit when I am wrong and will work to fix the mistake. I am honest and speak the truth in detail.”
What is your most significant accomplishment as a councilor?
“I challenged the status quo by asking the common sense questions. I will continue to do that as long as I serve the citizens of Columbus.”
What is the most significant problem you want to address, and what will be your solution if you are reelected?
“The issues that the citizens bring up the most are:
- “Maintenance of our roads, right of way, parks and facilities — These fall under the City Manager’s responsibility. I look forward to confirming a new City manager that will implement regular maintenance procedures and protocols and the other recommendations brought up in the departmental audits.
- “Public Safety — We will be confirming a new Police Chief, and it is important that we choose one that will continue in the direction set by Chief Mathis.
- “Jail and Data Center — We need to build a new jail, and it will be costly. We must be looking for ways to reduce the cost without creating future problems and we need to look for creative ways to pay for it without putting additional financial burden on the citizens and/or reducing the basic, daily needs of the citizens. We are still searching for practical solutions to these issues. We all need to keep open minds and cool heads because these are crucial decisions that need to be made and will affect us for decades to come.”
What is your occupational and educational background?
“My occupations have always revolved around serving others. In high school and college, I worked as a receptionist in my father’s Optometry practice, also as a waitress, sous chef and WATTS operator. After college I worked in Operations for the 3rd largest jewelry store chain in America.
“I have been in property management and real estate since 1987. I have a bachelor’s degree from Ambassador University, Pasadena, CA. I majored in Theology with a minor in Business.”
What is your community involvement and history of leadership roles?
“I have served on the Uptown Jam committee, Neighborworks Columbus Board, Co-Chair for Keep the Freeze Committee, Care and Concern committee and Worship Committee at Living Grace Church. I currently serve on Columbus City Council District 5 “In high school I was president of our churches youth group and traveled to Texas and California for conferences. During college I held different leadership roles in Women’s Club, and was given leadership training opportunities. “Columbus Board of Realtors, I served as a local director, GARPAC chair and state trustee, Committee Chair for Entertainment and By laws committees, Recipient of the Special Service Award, Community Service Award and Good Neighbor Award.”
What else should the L-E’s readers know about you and your campaign?
“I have been married to my husband, Tim for 40 years, we have three sons, and three grandchildren who all live in Columbus. All three of our sons have started their own businesses and one of them works for Fire and EMS. We are heavily invested in the success of our city and the citizens.”