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    Dawn Tyler Lee Named New Franklin County Commissioner

    Following the retirement of Commissioner Marilyn Brown earlier this month, the remaining Franklin County Commissioners have appointed a replacement to fill her position.

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    Dawn Tyler Lee will serve as acting commissioner until the Franklin County Democratic Party’s Central Committee names a permanent replacement to fill out the rest of the term.

    With her swearing-in, Tyler Lee becomes the first African-American woman county commissioner in Franklin County.

    “Dawn Tyler Lee is the epitome of public service,” said Board President Kevin Boyce. “She has set a standard of service for all of us, and done it with grace and aplomb. Not only will she work well with us to accomplish the good work that we’ve started, but she will also enhance it. I’m looking forward to serving with her.”

    Tyler Lee served as deputy chief of staff for Mayor Andrew Ginther before founding Forrest Street Consulting, a leadership development firm. She has also served in leadership positions at the United Way of Central Ohio and Partners Achieving Community Transformation.

    “As someone who has lived and worked in this community for most of my life, I welcome the opportunity to serve the residents of Franklin County in this unique capacity,” said Tyler Lee. “I am grateful to stand on the shoulders of so many who have helped pave the way to this moment.  Thank you to Commissioner Boyce and Commissioner O’Grady for this appointment.”

    Michael Sexton, chairman of the Franklin County Democratic Party Executive Committee, told the Columbus Dispatch that a permanent replacement to fill out the rest of Brown’s term could be named by the end of June.

    Brown’s current term ends on Jan. 1, 2023.

    In the weeks since the vacancy was announced, several Central Ohio figures have announced their intention to run for the seat.

    Columbus City Council Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown announced she was entering the race on social media.

    “In my career, I’ve approached every crossroads with the same question: How can I give back to my community? How can I build that community into one that provides opportunity, safety, and dignity to every resident?” she said. “There’s so much more work to be done. As commissioner, there is a unique opportunity to serve an even larger number of families, children, and older adults who deserve representation.”

    State Rep. Erica Crawley also announced her intention of entering the race on social media, after receiving calls and texts encouraging her to do so, she said.

    In tandem, Ohio House Democratic Caucus Executive Director Aryeh Alex announced his endorsement of Crawley last week via Twitter.

    Others hoping to be considered for the vacancy include Franklin County Clerk of Courts Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, Gahanna-Jefferson School Board President Beryl Brown Piccolantonio and Worthington School Board member Sam Shim.

    For more information, visit commissioners.franklincountyohio.gov.

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    Taijuan Moorman
    Taijuan Moormanhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Taijuan Moorman is a former reporter and social media specialist for Columbus Underground and The Metropreneur who covered civics, arts, entertainment, lifestyle, and business news and features.
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