Ringing in a new term: City leaders take oath of office on New Year’s Day

Judge Kelly Benjamin swears in Elaine Hilber as a Columbus City Councilwoman as her husband Jordan Hilber holds the Bible, Robin Hilber, Jean and Ryan Hou look on during the swearing in ceremony of elected officials held in the Cal Brand meeting room at Columbus City Hall, Wednesday, January 1, 2019. Carla Clark | For The Republic

A full house crowded into the Cal Brand Meeting Room at Columbus City Hall Wednesday to ring in the new year — and the next four years — with one of the most diverse Columbus City Councils to date.

Bartholomew Circuit Court Judge Kelly Benjamin and Bartholomew Superior Court 2 Judge Kathleen “Kitty” Tighe Coriden administered the oath of office to two-term Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop, Clerk-Treasurer LuAnn Welmer, and all seven members of the city council, including new Democratic members Grace Kestler, at-large, and Jerone Wood, representing District 1.

For the first time since 1983, Democrats have a majority on the Columbus council, having won four of seven seats up for grabs in the municipal election on Nov. 5.

“One opportunity we must not overlook though is to demonstrate to others the Columbus way,” Lienhoop said. “Much has been written recently about the switch in our city council from the majority of Republicans to a majority of Democrats. Last time I checked, all were residents of Columbus and all were dedicated to serving our city.”

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Lienhoop called on the individuals chosen to lead the city to be an example to others that good partners come in all types and share a common goal, “to improve the lives of all.”

Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony ushered in a fresh start to define a new direction for the council, Kestler said. Similar to a new year, she said a new council also signifies a new leap and a chance to continue working toward the “constructive collaboration” that represents what she called a diverse community.

Democrat Elaine Hilber, formerly Elaine Wagner, reflected on what it has meant to serve the city for four years and to be able to do it again for another term.

“Serving this city has been the greatest honor for me the last four years,” Wagner said. “I’ve learned so much, getting to meet all of the movers and shakers of our community and the people who actually do the work to make our city run.”

Over the next four years, Wagner said she hopes the young people who have stepped up to lead on the council can show the community that they’re suitable, willing to learn and strong enough to bring new ideas to the city.

Three of the seven council members are younger than age 35.

Wood received a roaring applause ovation following his oath Wednesday. He said he is excited to be the example to young people who look like him, adding he had never seen an African American serve on Columbus City Council when he was growing up.

He thanked his family and the Bartholomew County Democratic Party for seeing something in him that he said he didn’t see in himself. Wood also cracked a couple jokes in reference to his victory over District 1 Republican incumbent Dascal Bunch by one vote, 260 to 259. A recount on Dec. 13 confirmed the results.

“I would like to thank all the 260 people — it was 260, we counted twice — who took the time to vote for me,” Wood said. “I stand here to show everyone how every single vote counts.”

District 3 Councilman David Bush, District 5 Councilman Tim Shuffett and at-large Councilman Tom Dell also made remarks at Wednesday’s ceremony, thanking their families and the voters for trusting them to serve the city.

District 5 Councilman Frank Miller, who defeated Democratic challenger Michael Shoumacher in a close race in November, was sworn into office in December by Bartholomew County Clerk Jay Phelps. He could not attend the New Year’s Day ceremony.

Also sworn in on Wednesday were 17 City of Columbus department heads.

The new council members will take their seats for the first time on Tuesday at the first Columbus City Council meeting of the year. The meeting is at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Columbus City Hall, 123 Washington St.