Zone 1 Councilwoman Angela Romine says it only took her about a day to decide to run for City Council last fall. Zone 1 is the northwest quadrant of the city, encompassing all of parts of the Doling, Tom Watkins, Woodland Heights, Robberson, Bissett, Heart of the Westside, Grant Beach, Midtown, Westside and West Central neighborhoods.
“I had no idea how the City worked but I knew I wanted to be here for the people of Zone 1,” she said. “I think it’s an advantage that I don’t know anything about the processes because I ask a lot of questions, which is a learning opportunity for both me and the average citizen. The more people we can get engaged, the better.”
Romine, a massage therapist who grew up as a military brat and served in the military herself for three years, moved to Springfield with her husband, who was also in the military, in 2012. Before settling in Zone 1, they lived downtown and in the Southern Hills neighborhood in southeast Springfield. They have no children, but they have three “fur kids.” They live in the Tom Watkins neighborhood, near West Bypass and I-44.
She said being self-employed provides her with the flexible schedule needed to serve on City Council. Springfield City Council members are essentially volunteering their time, because they are not paid positions.
“Sometimes I’m not able to get to every meeting because if I’m not working, I’m not making money, but I am willing to sacrifice income to serve Zone 1. I am trying to listen to everyone – not just those I agree with,” she said.
Her hopes for Zone 1 include improving housing and infrastructure conditions, working to reduce crime, increase and improve long-term services for those experiencing homelessness, and beautify the city.
“When I was out campaigning and knocking on doors, I was shocked to see the state of some of the homes,” she said.
She looks forward to learning everything she can about City processes so she can answer her constituents’ questions.
“I want people to know that they can ask questions and we can all work together to make our city better,” she said.