A New State of the City Address

By Deba Uwadiae

& Shellee Fisher  (Photo)

It is normal and a ritual for Mayors, Governors and the President to give their annual “State” addresses at the council halls, State Houses and the Congress. Most often it is a single speech and for few hours.

This year, Mayor Andrew Ginther of the City of Columbus, Ohio decided to be different by holding five events tagged Neighborhood Conversations and Panel discussions separated by topics.

At every event, Mayor Ginther will give an opening speech, mainly the review of 201, successful projects done by the City and other projects in process.

He will call up members of the panel for the topic of discussion for the day and moderate the discussion with hi, fielding most of the questions including those from the audience and viewers on the television and the  social media as the event is always televised and streamed live.

According to Mayor Ginther, “you won’t just hear from me but from neighborhood, civic, business and faith leaders who are partnering with us in our work.”

The events with the topics held:  on-

 January 31, 2018: Neighborhoods and Public Safety
Reeb Avenue Center – 280 Reeb Ave.

February 13, 2018: CelebrateOne, Public Health and Opioid Addiction
J. Ashburn, Jr. Boys & Girls Club – 85 Clarendon Ave.

February 21, 2018: Recreation & Parks and Pre-K Education
Linden Recreation Center – 1254 Briarwood Ave.

February 22, 2018: Diversity & Inclusion and Columbus Women’s Commission
The King Arts Complex, Nicholson Auditorium, 867 Mt. Vernon Avenue and the last segment will hold

March 6, 2018: Shared Prosperity and Mobility
Milo-Grogan Recreation Center – 862 E. 2nd Ave.

According to Mayor Ginther, “There is no mistaking that Columbus is a great city. The work we need to do to move this city forward requires collaboration and participation. Everyone has a role to play. If you want to go fast, go alone and If you want to go far, go together.”