Kathy Barney, a 34-year resident of Milford, told the Milford City Council that she is running for a seat on the council and asked voters to support her in the Nov. 4 election.

Barney, who identified herself as a candidate for Milford City Council, said her career experience and long ties to the city would guide her work if elected. "I'm Kathy Barney, a 34 year resident of Milford still in our first house where I've worked, raised a family, and volunteered," she said, adding that listening is one of her strengths.

Barney outlined professional experience she said she would bring to the council, saying she has "handled nonprofit grants and budgets, half million dollar marketing projects, and a public school communications budget never overspending." She said that background, and volunteer work raising funds and organizing programs for young people, prepared her to "build trust, show up prepared, check my ego, and admit when I'm wrong."

She described long-term local organizing that followed a 2001 death in Cincinnati, saying that the experience led her to host a continuing neighborhood conversation intended to bridge racial divides. "Much of my preparation for this position, if elected, has come from volunteering... the 2001 tragic death of black teen Timothy Thomas, downtown Cincinnati, and the tensions that erupted broke my heart. I reacted by hosting a local conversation, neighbor to neighbor, to bridge the racial divide, which still meets today," she said.

Barney said her volunteer work includes developing creative programming for middle school students over more than 10 years and serving as a poll worker for five years. She framed those activities as evidence of nonpartisan civic engagement and a focus on opportunities for children and seniors.

Barney also invoked her faith and personal history as motivation for public service. "My faith and spirituality teach me the value of personal and group integrity. These Quaker principles guide my life," she said, and added that a recent personal loss had reinforced a desire to serve: "My twin sister died quickly and unexpectedly 4 months ago... Her death reminds me that life is short, and I need to make mine meaningful."

She closed by asking for voters' support: "I would appreciate your vote November 4."