2014 was filled with big local news stories, as we can specifically attest here at Columbus Underground. It was a very busy year for our editorial staff, and a constant stream of announcements kept everyone with plenty to write about. When we polled our readers on their thoughts about the biggest and most definitive news articles of 2014, one stood out well above all others: the recent announcement that long-time Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman will not be seeking re-election next year.
The news came as a shock to many, who have not known another mayor since the year 2000 when Coleman took office. The Mayor stated at his press conference that his decision came about following his recent 60th birthday.
“I feel great and I have a lot of energy and I have a whole lot of new ideas,” said Coleman. “But it’s time to venture to new frontiers, and if I’m going to do something new before I reach retirement age… I probably need to do it at the end of this term rather than five years from now.”
Coleman’s term runs through the end of 2015, which means he has another full year of mayorship ahead of him. Only two candidates have formally announced bids for the mayor’s race next year, which will likely be one of the biggest news stories to follow over the next eleven months.
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Top 10 Biggest Local News Stories of 2014:
- Mayor Coleman Will Not Seek a Fifth Term
- Columbus in the Running to host 2016 DNC
- Columbus Food League Openings & Closings
- Ongoing Updates on Downtown Development
- Light Rail Being Studied for Columbus
- Columbus Crew Rebrands
- Stone Brewing Not Coming to Columbus
- The CBUS Circulator Launches
- Columbus to Host NCAA Women’s Final Four
- Short North White Castle to be Redeveloped