Council President Ginther Praises Mayor Coleman's Service to Columbus
For Immediate Release
November 25, 2014
For More Information:
John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798
Council President
Andrew J. Ginther issued a statement in response to Mayor Michael B. Coleman's announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2015:
For almost 15 years, Mayor Coleman has provided the bold leadership and vision that have shaped the Columbus we know today.
Because of his investment in public safety, we live in the safest big city in America. Because of his ability to develop public-private partnerships, we are one of the strongest economies in the country; we are adding jobs, and are the only city in Ohio that continues to grow. Because of his sound financial decisions, we have a balanced budget and the best credit rating possible. And, because of his leadership, we have been able to build upon the strength of our neighborhoods and create an open and inclusive community that embraces diversity and promotes equality.
Mayor Coleman has guided Columbus in good times and bad. When America was attacked on September 11, Mayor Coleman calmed a nervous city. When Columbus and the rest of the nation suffered two devastating recessions, Mayor Coleman made the tough decisions to balance budgets. And, when forced to choose between laying off police and fire fighters, or raising the income tax, Mayor Coleman helped convince the community that paying a little more now would secure a better future.
Mayor Coleman also gave us the gift of swagger, and the confidence to climb out of the shadows and place our city in the national spotlight. That is why we are now on the short list for the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and why we are hosting the NHL All-Star Game and the NCAA Women’s Final Four.
Mayor Coleman loves Columbus, and Columbus residents love him back. That’s why he is Columbus’ longest serving mayor and the nation’s longest serving black mayor. We are a better community for his leadership and I am confident he will continue to be a great ambassador for our city.
It has been an honor to serve with Mayor Coleman and I look forward to working with him in the coming months to build upon his partnership with Council, which has helped to make Columbus special, to cement the legacy of a great mayor and to chart a path for the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Because of Mayor Coleman, Columbus IS a great place to live, work and raise a family.