Sandi Allen has an unparalleled passion for serving her community. She has spent the last twenty years investing in youth and is an avid promoter of civic engagement. If elected, Sandi would lead by evaluating both sides of issues and making sound judgments. Sandi believes in hard work and wants to be a part of a government that is effective and puts its citizens at the heart of its decision making.

Meet the Candidate

Can you tell our members a little bit about your journey to filing as a candidate?

When I was in high school I saw the events of the Berlin Wall falling on TV. I was instantly drawn to the idea of being part of something that can bring more people together. It sparked my interest to major in International Relations and learn Russian in college. I was a page for the Wisconsin State Assembly. I joined an international student organization aimed at finding reciprocal traineeships for graduates from the US and other countries. All these things opened my eyes to a world that thrives when more people are connected to one another.  It’s why I want to be a connector for others through my service on Dublin City Council.

Tell our members about a friend or family member who inspired you to become a leader.

I think the person I admire most is my pastor, who just so happens to also be my husband. He always manages to say the right thing, keep me grounded, and help me look at things from a different perspective. More than anything, he did not inspire me to become a leader; he helped me discover that I have always been a leader.  Leadership is displayed in many forms. I didn’t realize that what I was doing was leading because it was just part of who I am. Good leaders often recognize the gifts in others before they recognize them in themselves.

Some of you are military veterans, some small business owners, some professionals, some mothers and grandmothers, some homemakers. How did one of these experiences shape who you are as a person and leader?

I was a businessperson, I was a homemaker, I was a church leader, and I am now a substitute teacher.  These experiences have enabled me to speak many different proverbial “languages” with a wide cross-section of the population. Hard work, grit, and determination have always been a part of who I am. My experience has taught me never to take for granted where I’ve been or where I’m going and has helped me stay grounded no matter my circumstances.

The Matriots PAC has a goal to see 50% of all elected offices in Ohio held by women by 2028. What is your vision for Ohio in 2028?

My vision for Dublin in 2028 is a community engaged and empowered by the strengths of community, diversity, inclusion, and visionary leadership.

Tip O’Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” What are the top-two issues your community or our state face today?

Dublin is tasked with maintaining sustainability of revenues while providing top-notch services to the community.  In order to accomplish this, we must continue to attract good jobs.  We also have some aging business parks in need of redevelopment in order to retain and attract new businesses to call Dublin home.  

Tell us something personal about yourself.

I love to bake! My college roommates nicknamed me “Betty” (as in Crocker) because I was always baking, especially during exam weeks. My favorite Christmas gifts in college were a waffle iron and hand mixer. I still have and use the waffle iron, but I’ve worn out and replaced the hand mixer.