Tricia Sprankle has owned her own law firm for 10 years. She has assisted the current City Attorney in a variety of matters including revisions to city code sections, representing the Planning Commission before the Appeals Board, and research for pending litigation. Her experience and commitment to fair, reliable and honest legal representation will serve Gahanna well.

Meet the Candidate

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

Since high school, I have always been interested in politics. Till now, I was content to volunteer for candidates I believe in and support causes that will help people. My candidacy stems from my love of my community and desire to serve the people that make this community great.

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

My parents have always inspired me to service. My father, as a School Board Member, and my mother, as a volunteer for our church and the American Lung Association, instilled in me a desire to serve others.

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?

During a volunteer session with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), I saw a real need for legal services that are not available to lower income families. Helping those who need it most is more rewarding than any other service I can provide. An experience that comes to mind is of a low-income family I was able to help with a tax matter. The IRS sought $2500 due to a disallowance of standard exemptions for their children. There are many more details but I believed strongly that this family was being treated unfairly and took the matter before the US Tax Court where the IRS settled the matter in the family’s favor. When laws are not enforced fairly and when only a privileged few have access to the services they need, our communities suffer. Equal protection and equal justice under the law are not just words in a social studies book, they are moral imperatives that must be guarded.

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?

Gahanna is a growing, vibrant community. I hope that we will continue to have outstanding female elected officials. Work is still needed in appointments to various commissions and boards in the city where I hope to see more women serving in the future. Women will also play an important role in the development of new businesses in our community. 

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

Faith in government institutions is damaged at all levels. It will be the job of the new administration, and everyone at City Hall, to restore trust in government through honest communication and transparency. Gahanna Mayor’s Court must maintain the highest standards of ethics in providing justice for all. In order to ensure accountability and transparency, I will propose audio recording of all public proceedings.

Tell us something personal about yourself.

My favorite movie is Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (or really any Star Wars movie) which I now enjoy with a renewed sense of wonder with my daughters.