Fortkamp For UA

11/11/2025

Happy Veterans day! Thank you to the UA Historical Society and their Oral Histories: Veterans Voices project. It's vital that we continue to preserve and remember the stories of Veterans so we can continue to honor their service.

In 2023, my dad Jim Fortkamp was featured with a video from 2002, and I want to share his story again.

Jim Fortkamp grew up on the west side of Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 1963. After earning his degree from the Ohio State, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He went to Quantico, Virginia to officer candidate school in 1968, and subsequently served two tours of duty in Vietnam. As an engineer officer his service includes sweeping areas ahead of other troops and then building bridges, roads and infrastructure for other them to use.

Jim served as a first lieutenant during his active duty, and earned two Purple Hearts medals, a Bronze Star with Combat V and multiple other distinguished service honors. After his active duty service ended in 1974 Jim earned the rank of Captain while in the United State Marine Corps Reserves.

The full video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIPYZH7jFac
The short version is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6minmYKcRw4

To honor our Veterans, we tell their stories. Two new Veterans Voices are available now - John Stegmiller and Seth Wolfe. Learn more - https://uahistory.org/veterans-voices

11/05/2025

I am deeply honored and grateful to have been elected to serve on Upper Arlington City Council.  
I want to thank all of my fellow candidates. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you all and hearing your messages.
 
On a Wednesday morning six years ago, I was dealt a very tough loss, and in my post-election message I stated, “The goals that I set for myself a couple years ago are still the same, I am going to be a voice, advocate and support as many students and community members as I can. It’s just going to be in a different way over the next couple of years.”
 
I’m sitting here this Wednesday because people in our community still believed in me over the past six years, so I believed in myself and kept showing up. 

To my family, friends, neighbors, and every volunteer who knocked on doors, shared a kind word, or offered encouragement along the way - thank you! Your support has meant everything.
 
I look forward to working alongside my fellow councilmembers, city staff, and most importantly, all of you. Together, we can continue to make UA a place where families flourish, businesses grow, and neighbors feel connected and cared for. The campaign may be over, but the real work is just beginning.

As always, let’s get to it, together.

11/01/2025

📢 Last Saturday before Election Day!! To learn more visit fortkampforua.com or watch the candidates night video from leadershipUA!

10/22/2025

My family and I had the opportunity to attend a Diwali Celebration at the community center over the weekend! We had such a great time learning the dances and talking to neighbors! Thank you for hosting us!

10/21/2025

I am excited and grateful to have the support of former City Council member Kathy Adams! Her dedication to create RainbowUA and then serve our community is a perfect example of someone who is community driven and cares about our residents. I will take her example of leadership to heart.

10/17/2025

📢 Thank you so very much Sumia! Whenever we speak, your excellent and experienced leadership shines through. I see you working tirelessly for UA and I’m grateful. We are truly a better community with you and I’m excited to see what you do next!