Columbus Coalition for Responsive Government

Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at the Ohio Historical Center the Columbus Coalition for Responsive Government held its first meeting.  There was a sizable  group of people representing many  neighborhoods around Columbus.  Jonathan Beard, Columbus Compact, welcomed the attendees; Bob Fitrakis, The Free Press Express, gave the history of the current Columbus City Council; Diann Thomas Beasley, Thomas Beasley & Assoc., spoke about why the change is needed, Willis Brown, Activist of the Bronzeville Neighborhood, addressed the Call for Action; and James Moore, Columbus State Community College, highlighted sections of the proposed ordinance.

The political arena in Columbus is one-sided.  Everything in this city is sewed up by the Democrats and because of this they have lost all objectivity to the people of this city.  The Coalition filed a certified copy of a petition that will be circulated to the Columbus voters, for signatures.  The ordinance proposal would change Columbus City Council  from the seven at-large members, to four at-large members, and seven from districts. The city deserves diversity and a higher quality of candidates than what we have currently.

Andrew Ginther opened the door for the the residents to fight back when he made the remark that the Coalition was doing this as a "political stunt". Mr. Beard released a video from Champion and Main St. corners illustrating the drug dealers dealing drugs all day, a young man shot dead in the middle of the street, and a young lady who pulled up in front of her house, with her 12 year old son, and a van shooting while she sat in her car.  Was that a stunt Mr. Ginther?  Is this what City Council has stooped to--mocking the residents when they cry out for help in protecting children, senior citizens and the neighborhoods.

The crime in Columbus is out of control and help is needed.  If you are interested in assisting in changing the City Charter please go to www.columbuscoalition.info for additional information.  We know that this ordinance will meet a lot of resistence from the local Democrats but changing the Charter is possible with everyone's assistance.

In 1914 the seven member council worked with 181,000 people--Columbus now has over 800,000 people and there is a need for additional, diverse members on Council.