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    Local Political Update: Appointments, Elections & Endorsements

    While the majority of our collective political attention spans will be directed at the Presidential race in 2016, there’s still quite a bit of local and regional political news on the horizon. If you mentally checked out over the past couple of weeks — either for holiday celebrations or for repeat viewings of Star Wars and/or Making a Murderer — then here’s a quick catch-up on the latest political news from the local level:

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    • New Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther appointed the city’s first ever CDO — Chief Diversity Officer. Stephen Francis has been selected to fill the new cabinet-level position, which will provide support to the Mayor’s Office with regard to workforce diversity strategies and city procurement processes.
    • Kevin Boyce unveiled his list of endorsements for his run in this year’s election for Franklin County Commissioner. The list includes many prominent local political figures, including Joyce Beatty, Marilyn Brown, Michael Coleman, Ted Strickland, Hearcel Craig, Michael Curtin, Andrew Ginther, Mary Jo Hudson, Zachary Klein, John O’Grady and many others. Michael Mentel is also on his list, a former potential rival for the position, who has withdrawn from the race.
    • If you missed the official swearing-in of Mayor Andrew Ginther during the First Night celebration on New Years Eve, then you’re in luck, because you’ve got a second chance to participate in the process. A ceremonial swearing-in celebration will be held on January 13th at The Lincoln Theatre, from 6pm to 7:15pm.
    • Commissioner Paula Brooks filed for re-election in December, who has served on the Franklin County Board of Commissioners since 2005.
    • Gerry Hammond announced his bid for Franklin County Commissioner with a release in December. Hammond is the son of Jerry Hammond, the first African American Columbus City Council President from 1984 to 1990. Hammond is currently a Teaching Professionals at The Golf Depot in Gahanna.
    • Cheryl Brooks Sullivan announced her candidacy for Franklin County Treasurer, also via a release several weeks ago. Brooks Sullivan currently works as a Realtor in Central Ohio.
    • Former Mayor Michael Coleman received a bit good news right before he left office at the end of 2015. The US Attorney’s Office cleared Coleman of any wrong-doing associated with the sale of his home in 2010, which came under investigation last summer.

    For more political news in Columbus, CLICK HERE to browse our recent archives.

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    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
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