Q&A with John Van Doorn, candidate for citywide District 9 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 citywide District 9 seat is filled by incumbent John Anker, who was appointed to the seat by the council’s 6-3 vote in March 2025 on the same day Judy Thomas resigned. Anker, founder and president of Ankerpak, is running in this election against dentist Cathy Cook, U.S. Army veteran Rocky Marsh and Valdosta State University visiting political science professor John Van Doorn.
Here is the Ledger-Enquirer’s emailed interview with Van Doorn:
Why are you running for this position?
“Columbus has given me an extraordinary life. All the way back to my early days in Scout Troop 1, to seeing my daughters graduate from Columbus High School, I feel very thankful to call this city home.
“With all that Columbus has given to me, I feel a responsibility to give back to my community. I believe that, especially now, my native city needs my unique combination of policy knowledge, skills, judgement and temperament.
“At this stage of my life, I believe that bringing my vision, integrity and competence to City Council is the best way that I can serve my community.”
Why should Columbus residents vote for you?
“The citizens want a servant leader who listens to their concerns and brings real solutions to the City Council.
“I’m listening to the people every day, riding my bike through each neighborhood and talking to citizens about the issues that matter most to them. Not only am I listening, but I’m problem-solving.
“I’ve studied public policy for 30 years, so I have quite a few ideas about how to find solutions to the issues I’m hearing about. It would be an honor to earn the public’s support, so I can apply my life’s work towards improving the quality of life in Columbus.
“The public can also count on my integrity as an Eagle Scout and elder in my church because it’s the foundation of everything that I do.”
What is the most significant problem you want to address, and what will be your solution if elected?
“The most significant problem in Columbus is a lack of trust.
“There has been a breakdown in trust between groups of citizens in Columbus, between the city council and citizens, between the council and public servants, and even between police and citizens.
“Citizens will be able to count on my integrity and my keeping my word.
“I will hold frequent neighborhood meetings and ‘bike abouts’ to hear directly from citizens between elections. By bringing specific policies to address economic development and public safety, I’ll get us all rowing in the same direction again.
“I am committed to developing a strong working relationship with whoever Columbus decides to elect as the next mayor and other members of Council. I will show respect to our public servants while holding them accountable for performance. I’ll promote opportunities for us all to put down our phones, get outdoors and chat with each other again.”
What is your occupational and educational background?
“I hold a Ph.D. in political science and have been a political science professor for 25 years. I am also a Certified Legal Assistant and served as a paralegal earlier in my career. My undergraduate work included a major in history.
“I have done additional academic work in Europe and the Middle East. Through this career, I’ve studied what works in cities in the U.S. and abroad, and I’m prepared to bring the world’s best ideas home.
“I not only read books on public policy, but I also wrote one. I’ve worked for two ambassadors, including the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, learning conflict-resolution skills that will help me guide the city council towards solutions rather than strife.”
What is your community involvement and history of leadership roles?
“I have deep roots in Columbus, and my community involvement and leadership roles started early here, in leadership roles in my Scout troop and my Eagle Scout project restoring the ironclads, which are now on display at the Civil War Naval Museum, on the debate team at Columbus High School and as president of the CHS chapter of Interact.
“As an adult, I have served on numerous local boards, including the Historic Westville Foundation, the Environmental Board under CCG and as president of the downtown Historic District Preservation Society (HDPS).
“I have 20 years of practicing politics in Columbus, including voter-registration drives and as chair of the MCDC. I’ve developed key working relationships with the local, state and federal political actors.
“In my role as a professor at CSU and Troy, I have provided community service in the form of public lectures and by serving as a policy expert in frequent media appearances on local television stations and as a source for stories in the Ledger-Enquirer.
“I have also served as both a deacon and an elder twice at the First Presbyterian Church of Columbus.
“In that capacity, I have participated in constructing a local Habitat for Humanity house, led a mission to Guatemala and conducted local outreach, including the “Be the Bridge” initiative among local houses of worship.
“If elected, I would like to see this reconciliation and bridge-building effort continue citywide, using a representative sample of all Columbusites.”
What else should the L-E’s readers know about your campaign?
“When I say that I will listen to the voters, I truly mean it.
“One recent example is the data center. I have listened carefully to citizens’ concerns about Project Ruby. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what I think; it should be about what the people want. I have called for a moratorium and a scientific poll to see how the voters truly feel on this issue.
“Whether it be data centers, public safety initiatives or any other matter, voters can count on me to represent their voice on the Columbus Council.”
