The newest member of Columbus City Council has officially been selected. Former Director of the Columbus Department of Public Safety Mitchell Brown was appointed this evening to take over the seat vacated on December 31st by Eileen Paley. Brown was chosen for the position from a field of 32 candidates who applied last month.
“Mitchell Brown is a respected community leader,” stated newly appointed Council President Zach Klein. “Mr. Brown’s extensive experience in public safety at the state and local government level as well as his involvement in the community give him the right background to serve on City Council with distinction.”
After 14 years of service as Public Safety Director, Brown retired in 2014, shortly following official reprimands from Klein and then-Mayor Michael Coleman about multiple problems within the Columbus Police Department and a lack of response with reports filed through the 311 system.
Brown is expected to serve the remainder of Paley’s term through 2017 before being required to run for public election if he opts to continue with a full term on Council.