Change: the Unknown Future

And now we say goodbye to a dark chapter of Columbus history of lies and scandals in an election for Mayor. But the people spoke loudly against those negative tactics meant to bolster a certain candidate. Now that it is over, Columbus can now look forward to a period of improved openness of government, transperancy, accountability, and a new attitude in general to City Hall.

This does not come without some fear. Fear of the unknown. Only Jim Lienhoop remains on the Council. Everyone else is a novice to the Council except for maybe Ryan Brand who has served on the Planning Commission. There is a new Clerk-Treasurer who will be in charge of monitoring cash flows, reporting finances, and documenting them properly and openly.

And there is a new Mayor. And while many will cheer in a new Mayor, it can be said with confidence that the Mayor-elect will have a lot on her plate. A city with crumbling infrastructure, a city fiscal status which is not the picture of perfection some like to paint in grand speeches to the people. A city up against its debt limit. A City Hall that has been looked upon with contempt and frustration for quite some time because of its inability to listen to the people it serves.

Columbus chose a Mayor. In the Watchman's opinion, the most qualified candidate to actually recognize the issues and have a plan to address it. Will this Mayor be the best there ever was. Maybe. Will this Mayor get everything done in year 1. Probably not. This Mayor has a lot to take care of, but Columbus residents must recognize the fact that not everything will be done, but the ball will hopefully be rolling.

This attitude change in City Hall will change the way business is done. It will address issues from a different angle. It will look at projects in a different light. This new council will probably take a while to feel the other members out and learn what decisions will go through and what will obviously fail. It is an all Republican team. So the caucus will consist of the entire council which basically means decisions can be made before a meeting is officially commenced.

It is strongly advised that the newly elected members not fall into that bad practice of making decisions before a vote has even occurred. Not that members should not have information. Not that member should not talk with other members to get different views and takes on an issue, but members ought not to get so comfortable with "behind the closed doors" meetings, should the ever occur. If that were to happen, another upsetting election is likely to follow.

The Mayor has the confidence of 2/3 voters. She must understand she represents all. I believe she does. Kristen Brown will look after all of Columbus and not just a few because she was not elected by a few, but by a lot of people.

The future of Columbus is a little more clear. An attitude of openness and community is hopefully to follow. An attitude of service is hopefully near. Let us give them a fair chance before the City shall erupt in anger, but elections shall most certainly be an indicator of favor-ability, the people have shown that.

Congratulations to all that have been elected.