7 townships, 2 EMS/Fire stations, and a sheriff's office
Campaign Update: March 31, 2026
It's been a few weeks since my last update, and there is a lot to share. This campaign is moving.
What We Did
Yesterday I spent the entire day driving Delaware County. I sat down with Sheriff Jeff Balzer for a 90-minute meeting and tour of the sheriff's facility. Then I visited 7 rural townships, 2 EMS stations, and a fire station. I wanted to see the county the way a commissioner should: by going to the places where people live and asking what they need.
This is the kind of work I plan to keep doing for years. Not just during campaign season. Not just when there's a vote on the line. I believe representative democracy means you show up, you listen, and you keep showing up.
Over the past few weeks I also spoke at three Democratic organizations: the Big Walnut Progressives, the Westerville-Genoa Democrats, and the Big Walnut Area Democrats. I attended the Delaware County Democratic Party meeting on March 19th. I went to the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce County Update Luncheon. And I was at the Sunbury Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on March 23rd, where data center development was front and center.
On March 28th, I visited four No Kings rallies in one day: Sunbury, Delaware, Westerville, and the Ohio Statehouse. I handed out campaign flyers, talked to hundreds of people, and reminded everyone I met that local elections matter too.
What's Happening: Data Centers
There has been real movement on the data center issue in the last few weeks, and I want to be clear about where I stand.
Mayor St. John mentioned at the recent Sunbury State of the City address that the city is considering a moratorium on new data center development. That sounds like progress, and I don't want to take anything away from it. Community voices are being heard.
But it's important to understand what that does and doesn't mean. Comments at a public event are not a binding policy decision. And a moratorium on future projects does not change anything about the existing AWS project: a $2 billion campus with an 87.5% tax abatement for 30 years, already approved.
At the state level, several bills have been introduced targeting data center transparency, water use, and grid capacity. The bipartisan Data Center Study Commission (HB 646) passed the Ohio House 97-0. The legislature is catching up to what communities in Sunbury and across the state already know: we need guardrails.
I am not anti-data center. Our society needs technology infrastructure. But water quality is a hard stop for me. And I believe transparency and community involvement are non-negotiable. This should be a community decision, not a siloed economic decision made behind closed doors. I've been at two of the three major public meetings on this issue, and I intend to keep showing up.
Good News: $130 Million in Road Projects
The County Engineer's office released the 2026-27 Road Construction Guide today. Twenty projects across the county, roughly $130 million in total investment. A few highlights:
The Orange Road railroad underpass ($40 million, 2028-2030) is the largest project on the list, funded in part by the county's largest-ever federal grant at $21 million. The Home Road railroad grade separation ($18 million, 2027-2029) will carry traffic over the CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads near Evans Farm. And there are seven new roundabouts coming to intersections across the county this year and next.
This is the kind of information I want to make easier for residents to find and understand. You can read the full guide here: https://engineer.co.delaware.oh.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2026/03/2026_RCG_2026.03.30.pdf
What's Coming
Here's what's on the calendar in the next few weeks:
- April 3 — First Friday Delaware. Come find me downtown on Sandusky Street.
- April 6 — Voter registration deadline for the May primary. Make sure you and your neighbors are registered.
- April 7 — Early in-person voting begins at the Delaware County Board of Elections.
- April 12 — COB Region DCDP meeting. I'll be speaking.
- April 13 — Berkshire Township special meeting on the Columbus/Hoover Reservoir annexation. A significant land use issue. I plan to attend.
- April 16 — DCDP meeting.
- April 30 — Friends of the Delaware County District Library "Night at the Races." Worth noting: the county commissioner appoints four of the library's seven trustees.
All of these events are on my public campaign calendar at ryangrissinger.com/calendar.
What I Need
I'll be honest with you. I've been shy about asking my friends for money. But it's time, and you're the people I trust enough to be direct with.
I'm spending my own money on this campaign. I want you to know that. But we have some bigger expenses coming up: direct mail, yard signs, printed materials, and paid social media. These are the tools that reach voters beyond our current circle, and they cost real money.
I'm asking for a $50 contribution. If that's not in the budget right now, anything helps. Truly. And if you're in a position to give more, please don't be shy. Every dollar goes directly into reaching more voters in Delaware County.
Donate here: ryangrissinger.com/donate
I will continue doing everything I can with organic social media, community events, and a whole lot of shoe leather. But your support is what makes the rest of it possible. Thank you in advance.
And if you can't give financially right now, sharing this newsletter or one of my social media posts with someone who doesn't know about this campaign is just as valuable.
Plan the growth. Protect what matters.
Ryan Grissinger Candidate for Delaware County Commissioner ryangrissinger.com