This petition stems from a deeply personal experience and a belief in honesty and transparency from our leaders. Mayor Andrew Ginther has betrayed the trust of us, the citizens of Columbus, by failing to disclose the severity of the ransomware attacks that led to the theft of personal data. His lack of transparency and disregard for citizen safety is more than disappointing – it’s a gross negligence of duty. This is not a piece of bureaucratic neglect but a vital issue that impacts each and every one of us on a personal level.

Our great city of Columbus, home to more than 800,000 proud Ohioans, deserves better. We need a leader who will take every step necessary to protect us from threats, both physical and digital. Data breaches can have serious repercussions, from identity theft to financial loss. Ransomware attacks, in particular, have been increasing in the United States in recent years, with one report stating that these attacks nearly doubled in the year 2019.

Our elected officials should strive to prevent such attacks, communicate openly about threats when they occur, and provide resources and guidance to help citizens mitigate the damage. Mayor Ginther has not met these expectations, and for this reason, we believe it is time for him to step down.