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.”
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.”
For more on this story, including more photos, see Thursday’s Republic or check in at therepublic.com.
