I was delighted to join fellow residents and community leaders in braving the cold to celebrate the return of our annual MLK Day March. We kicked off the event with the inspiring speeches of our youth oratorical contest winners: Helena Savannah (Pickerington High School Central) and Linden Young (Franklin Heights High School). Their profound and powerful words advance Dr. King’s legacy among a new generation and remind all of us to honor his leadership, every day, in our actions to build a better world.
Columbus Women’s Commission welcomes new members
Last week, First Lady Shannon Ginther and I welcomed six new commissioners to the Columbus Women’s Commission. They join a diverse group of experts working to dismantle barriers and promote the economic well-being of women. Our newest members are:
- Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Columbus City Councilmember
- Sheri Chaney Jones, President, Measurement Resources Company
- Aminata Soko, Director, Women’s Business Center, ECDI
- Danielle L. Sydnor, Chief Executive Officer, Rise Together Innovation Center
- Bob Szuter, Co-Owner, Wolf’s Ridge Brewing
- Sarah Townes, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission
My thanks to each of them – as well as outgoing commissioners Shayla Favor, Francie Henry and Heather Leonard – for their service to our community.
Earlier this week, I hosted a lunch with Public Safety Director Robert Clark, Police Chief Elaine Bryant and several representatives from the Columbus faith community to discuss how we can best collaborate to address and reduce violent crime in this city. Our faith leaders are pillars of strength and support for so many of our residents, and their insights are absolutely vital to creating a safer future. I look forward to continuing these candid conversations with even more of our neighbors in the weeks and months ahead.
The Columbus Snow Warriors tackled the first big snowfalls of the season. I am grateful to the Department of Public Service – as well as all our other departments – for dedicating the necessary vehicles and drivers to ensure a successful effort. And please remember to do your part when wintery weather hits. Avoid driving in dangerous conditions and, if you must travel on the roads, don’t crowd the plows. The Snow Warriors need plenty of room to do their jobs and keep our residents and visitors safe.
Here’s to hoping the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow next week…
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