Posted January 4, 20169 yr Previous Andy Ginther discussion may be found in the Columbus: 2015 Mayoral Election thread: -- 10TV: Mayor-Elect Andrew J. Ginther Takes Oath Of Office -- Dispatch: Andrew Ginther becomes Mayor of Columbus
January 21, 20169 yr Author Q & A with Business First: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2015/12/25/ginther-lays-out-2016-priorities-for-columbus.html
January 21, 20169 yr Author Mayor Ginther announced the appointment of a new cabinet-level position for the City of Columbus - chief diversity officer: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/2016/01/07/mayor-ginther-appoints-diversity-officer-to-new-cabinet-WB-GS.html
January 21, 20169 yr Author Mayor Ginther announced that his inaugural State of the City address will take place February 24 at his alma mater, Whetstone High School in Clintonville: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/clintonville/news/2016/01/20/ginthers-alma-mater-will-host-his-first-state-of-city-address-WB-KP.html
February 24, 20169 yr Author Mayor Ginther had his first State of the City Address today: - Mayor Ginther Focuses on Safety, Schools and Neighborhoods in 2016 State of the City Address - Mayor Ginther planning to invest millions to boost low-income neighborhoods - Full Text: 2016 State of the City Address
March 30, 20169 yr Author Because you know you want it, here's a link to a 34-minute conservation Columbus Business First had with new mayor Andy Ginther: PODCAST: A conversation with Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther
January 31, 20178 yr Author Ginther reflects on first year as Columbus mayor: http://www.dispatch.com/news/20170102/ginther-reflects-on-first-year-as-columbus-mayor
January 31, 20178 yr He spends a lot of effort on the Uncool Crescent, the area stretching from the West Side through the South Side then curving back up through the East Side up then to Linden and 161. This is a massive swath of the city that nobody wants to deal with. Unfortunately, that's given him an excuse to ignore the areas that are "doing fine" even though they are still missing walkabilty in many cases and of course NO RAIL TRANSIT. NO RAIL TRANSIT until the Uncool Crescent is all cleaned up. Which means NO RAIL TRANSIT EVER since many parts of the Uncool Crescent are talentless such as the Southwest, South, Southeast Sides, Morse and 161 that are post-war, unwalkable forever and poor. They are never going to be nice again since they are old sprawl that was left to die.
January 31, 20178 yr Author He spends a lot of effort on the Uncool Crescent, the area stretching from the West Side through the South Side then curving back up through the East Side up then to Linden and 161. The Uncool Crescent: Sounds like a marketing plan to attract anti-hipsters!
January 31, 20178 yr Yes. Hipsters aren't going to want anything to do with it for quite awhile so the push must shift to other demographics.
February 2, 20187 yr Author http://www.dispatch.com/news/20180111/mayor-ginther-splits-state-of-the-city-speech-into-five-conversations Mayor Andrew J. Ginther is skipping the traditional state-of-the-city speech this year in favor of five “neighborhood conversations” around the city starting January 31. Each of those events will include Mayor Ginther with a panel of speakers and address specific topics. The mayor’s office has scheduled these events and topics: ‒ Jan. 31 at Reeb Avenue Center, 280 Reeb Avenue: Neighborhoods and Public Safety ‒ Feb. 13 at J. Ashburn, Jr. Boys & Girls Club, 85 Clarendon Avenue: CelebrateOne, Public Health and Opioid Addiction ‒ Feb. 21 at Linden Recreation Center, 1254 Briarwood Avenue: Recreation & Parks and Pre-K Education ‒ Feb. 22 at The King Arts Complex, Nicholson Auditorium, 867 Mt. Vernon Avenue: Diversity & Inclusion and Columbus Women’s Commission ‒ March 6 at Milo-Grogan Recreation Center, 862 E. 2nd Avenue: Shared Prosperity and Mobility
February 2, 20187 yr Author Recap of Mayor Ginther's first neighborhood conversation from last night: http://www.dispatch.com/news/20180131/gangs-drugs-and-police-community-relationships-are-factors-in-crime-rate-panelists-say
February 4, 20196 yr Author https://www.dispatch.com/news/20190131/affordable-housing-internet-access-and-planning-apps-on-ginthers-2019-agenda https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/02/01/mayor-ginther-in-state-of-the-city-commits-to-land.html A couple of articles about Mayor Ginther's 2019 State of the City address - given last week on 1/31/19. And from CU, a full transcript of his State of the City address for all you policy wonks / gluttons-for-punishment: https://www.columbusunderground.com/read-mayor-andrew-ginthers-full-state-of-the-city-address
February 4, 20196 yr Author From the "time flies" department: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/mayor-ginther-files-petition-for-re-election/1754127985 Mayor Andrew Ginther filed for re-election today at the Franklin County Board of Elections. Ginther is beginning his fourth year in office and will be on the ballot for a second term in November 2019.
February 7, 20196 yr Author Why is Mayor Ginther smiling? Because he will be running unopposed for his election to a second term as mayor in November: https://www.columbusunderground.com/mayor-andrew-ginther-running-for-re-election-ls1 https://www.dispatch.com/news/20190206/mayor-ginther-unopposed-city-school-board-chief-longtime-member-wont-run-again
February 7, 20196 yr 5 minutes ago, Columbo said: Why is Mayor Ginther smiling? Because he will running unopposed for his election to a second term as mayor in November: https://www.columbusunderground.com/mayor-andrew-ginther-running-for-re-election-ls1 https://www.dispatch.com/news/20190206/mayor-ginther-unopposed-city-school-board-chief-longtime-member-wont-run-again I've only been around Columbus long enough to catch the tail end of Coleman, with that little experience I can confidently say Ginther was an absolute downgrade. My guess is he's smiling because he pulled off a 4 year stunt as mayor having achieved/improved/fixed nothing and not being seen while simultaneously managing to help secure a sweet little land deal for Ohio Health, which weirdly enough happens to be the company his wife is a director within. Dude absolutely should not run, let alone unopposed.
February 7, 20196 yr Unopposed!? Damn, Columbus politics is boring*! Especially compared to the shit show in Cincinnati, and the 'dynasty' of Mayor Jackson in Cleveland. *probably a good thing
February 7, 20196 yr Same problem in Dayton. Nan ran unopposed and while I probably would have voted for her anyway if she had a competitor, you don't want to see stagnation in your local politics. Elections are a good opportunity to force politicians to defend their positions (or hell, even publicize their positions), and you can't do that when everyone is just sort of given their seats. “To an Ohio resident - wherever he lives - some other part of his state seems unreal.”
February 8, 20196 yr 5 hours ago, DevolsDance said: I've only been around Columbus long enough to catch the tail end of Coleman, with that little experience I can confidently say Ginther was an absolute downgrade. My guess is he's smiling because he pulled off a 4 year stunt as mayor having achieved/improved/fixed nothing and not being seen while simultaneously managing to help secure a sweet little land deal for Ohio Health, which weirdly enough happens to be the company his wife is a director within. Dude absolutely should not run, let alone unopposed. As a resident of Central Ohio for many years, you would be correct in your conclusion about the current mayor.
February 8, 20196 yr 1 hour ago, edale said: @ColDayMan should run for mayor of Columbus! If that ever happened, blackface would be the least of your worries. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
November 6, 20195 yr Author CBUS UO'ers know him and love him ? Now the people have spoken ⚠️ It's four more years for Andrew Ginther ???
November 6, 20195 yr He's like the oldest young person, like, ever. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
November 13, 20195 yr Columbus hits $80M goal for rainy day fund a year early, Ginther ups goal to $90M by 2024 From 2003 through the thick of the recession in 2009, the city of Columbus tapped $91 million from its rainy day fund and still had to make budget cuts. When voters approved raising the city income tax to 2.5% from 2% in 2009, then-Mayor Michael Coleman pledged part of the proceeds would refill that emergency funds reservoir to shore up basic services like police, paving and public health. He wanted $50 million by 2014 and $75 million by 2018. At the end of this year, the rainy day fund will hit $80.6 million, one year early to hit the latest $80 million goal set by Mayor Andrew Ginther. Now Ginther is raising the target again to $90 million by 2024, and expects to deposit $2.5 million next year. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/11/12/columbus-hits-80m-goal-for-rainy-day-fund-a-year.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
November 14, 20195 yr Affordable housing gets boost in Mayor Ginther's proposed 2020 Columbus budget Affordable housing and investment in struggling neighborhoods get a boost in Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther's proposed $965 million city operating budget for 2020 – including doubling the housing staff in the Department of Development to 18. The Departments of Development and Neighborhoods are in line for some of the widest increases in the general fund proposal, overall up 5.6%, largely due to greater than expected income tax collections this year. Ginther's priorities for increased safety and reduced blight, such as more funding to combat illegal dumping, are key to making Columbus more attractive for employers to bring good jobs, the mayor said. “It’s about having outstanding city services, outstanding public employees providing those services to neighborhoods … and helping protect our opportunity and advantage for job creation and economic development," Ginther said. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/11/13/affordable-housing-gets-boost-in-mayor-ginthers.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
February 13, 20205 yr Ginther State of the City: 2020 is 'year of action' on affordable housing Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther plans to pledge Thursday to use $50 million in voter-approved bond funds to more than double the number of affordable housing units the city helps finance to 5,000 over then next five years. And for the first time, the Columbus Downtown Development Corp. will commit to building 100 affordable units downtown, Ginther is set to announce in the annual State of the City address. This year, the city Department of Development will hire a housing executive charged with finding creative ways to increase inventory. “2020 is going to be the the year of action, of initiation, leading into ... a very consequential decade ahead of us," Ginther said in an interview in City Hall. "We have a looming crisis. But we know great American cities around the country are in the midst of full-blown crises (on affordable housing)," he said. "If we move with a sense of urgency – in a regional way – focused on mixed-income neighborhoods and housing that's affordable for people from all walks of life in every neighborhood throughout the region, we can see the dynamic, dramatic growth, but have it be inclusive as well." More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/02/13/ginther-state-of-the-city-2020-is-year-of-action.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
April 14, 20214 yr Author After year of COVID and violence, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther to discuss recovery, resilience in State of City address In mid-February 2020, Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther used his annual State of the City address to say once again that, "The state of our city is strong." Days after he spoke those words last year, 300 Americans were evacuated from the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, including 14 who tested positive for COVID-19. A month later, a 49-year-old man returning from a trip on a cruise ship became the first of more than 120,000 Franklin County residents to eventually test positive for COVID-19, a pandemic that would rock the city's service-sector job base. In the midst of this health and economic crisis, Minneapolis police officers on May 25 arrested George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man. Floyd's death in police custody that day touched off racial justice protests and riots across the nation, including in Columbus. Since then, Ginther has faced a series of tests: an ongoing citywide emergency due to COVID-19, during which he granted himself special powers; calls for the city to remove a large statue of Christopher Columbus from the front of City Hall, which he did; the fatal Columbus police shooting of Andre Hill on Dec. 22 and subsequent protests; a new record year of 176 homicides in 2020, with 2021 on its way to surpassing that figure; and the search for a new police chief after demoting his last chief. In the wake of a year of turmoil, Ginther is set to give his 2021 State of the City address on Wednesday evening, when he will outline his goals for the coming year. The talk will have basic themes of "recovery, rebuilding and resiliency, all through the lens of equity," said Robin Davis, the mayor's spokeswoman. MORE: https://www.thisweeknews.com/story/news/2021/04/14/after-turmoil-columbus-mayor-andrew-ginther-recovery-resilience-state-city/7191562002/
December 1, 20222 yr Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther Announces 2023 Reelection Campaign “Two-term Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther formally announced yesterday evening that he’s all in for round three. A campaign kickoff party held at the Ohio Brewing Company served as the official launch for his 2023 mayoral bid. Ginther, 47, was first elected in 2015, having previously served on Columbus City Council for the eight years prior, and Columbus Board of Education for seven years before that. In 2015, Ginther ran against fellow Democrat and former Franklin County Sherriff Zach Scott, but ran unopposed in 2019 when winning his second term. Over the past three years, Ginther’s second term has seen both challenges and opportunities. Just two months after being sworn in on January 4th, 2020, the coronavirus pandemic dramatically impacted life in Columbus. Shutdowns of businesses and events persisted throughout that year, coupled with civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd that led to multiple protests in Downtown Columbus. Newly appointed police chief Tom Quinlan resigned in January of 2021 after just 13 months on the job, and community advocates have continued to call for stronger police reform. The Franklin County Republican Party was contacted yesterday afternoon to see if a challenger would be fielded by the local GOP, but Columbus Underground has received no response as of the time of publishing this article.“ https://columbusunderground.com/columbus-mayor-andrew-ginther-announces-2023-reelection-campaign-we1/
March 21, 20232 yr Full Text of Columbus 2023 “State of the City” Address The 2023 “State of the City” address was delivered by Mayor Andrew Ginther on Tuesday, March 21st at noon. The full video can be found on YouTube, and the full transcript of the address can be found below. ... Columbus – it has been my privilege to lead this city during such tremendous growth, transition and change. The state of our city is strong and getting stronger with each passing day, and I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead. It comes down to this: I want Columbus to be the very best community in the country, and I want everyone … everyone …in our city to share in our success. The way we get there is by continuing to improve neighborhood safety … making Columbus more affordable for more families … and by providing top-notch city services that empower our residents and businesses to thrive. Together, we will rededicate ourselves to these guiding principles and build the foundation for a stronger future. More below: https://columbusunderground.com/full-text-of-columbus-2023-state-of-the-city-address-we1/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 21, 20232 yr ^I’m glad he mentioned the LinkUs funding would be on the 2024 ballot. That—a presidential election year—is probably the best time to attempt it, especially if they can get the FCDP to endorse it.
November 8, 20231 yr Andrew Ginther Elected to Third Term as Columbus Mayor For the first time since 2015, Andrew Ginther faced off against an opponent in the race for Columbus Mayor, and voters chose him to serve in the role for a third term. “To the voters who provided me the opportunity to lead for a third term, thank you for your support,” stated Ginther in a press release issued last night after the race had been called. “Now is the time to celebrate the crucial work we’ve done over the last eight years, and tomorrow, we will continue to make Columbus neighborhoods safe, affordable and connected for years to come — together.” More below: https://columbusunderground.com/andrew-ginther-elected-to-third-term-as-columbus-mayor-we1/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
November 9, 20231 yr Columbus elections are like watching Perry Mason vs Ham Burger, or the Harlem Globetrotters vs the Washington Generals The perceived competent (if undazzling) incumbent will win handily facing the same old stooges who sign up to lose again year after year (if they bother to show up at all) All while the establishment Dems keep the reelect, resign, reappoint cycle running on repeat Edited November 9, 20231 yr by NW24HX
November 9, 20231 yr I don't like Ginther, and think city leadership could do better in several areas, but for all the criticism they get, are things really that bad in Columbus? Are we saying that we want Republicans? Or just different Democrats? Or just change to have change? I think the established candidates keep winning because the few alternatives put up just aren't that exciting, either. Motil had some good ideas, but also arguably some bad ones. I don't think competitive elections are a bad thing, but you're not going to get people to vote for change unless you give them an actual reason. I would love for some real progressives to run for mayor/city council races, but we just get more middle-of-the-road candidates who don't seem to have any clear message not only on what's wrong with the city, but what they would actually do to improve it. Edited November 9, 20231 yr by jonoh81
November 9, 20231 yr I didn't think Motil sucked or anything. It's, I think, people want someone inspiring since the city is growing a lot and has a lot of energy. And someone who actually acknowledges that we are missing good urbanism and rail transit instead of patting themselves on the back about growth despite the lack of those critical omissions.
November 9, 20231 yr Personally, I think a lot of my "meh" for him comes when you compare him to Coleman. I am not here saying that Coleman was perfect, but the dude had a vision, and really set Columbus on an amazing path while Ginther kind of just occupies a desk. Its not that Ginther is terrible but when the previous mayor spent 16 years pushing to make Columbus the next big thing, was incredibly visible, and really worked to get things done... it just becomes really hard to be impressed or excited about the guy who just shows up when necessary and feels like he is still riding the wins of his predecessor. Is Ginther bad? No. Would I rather a Republican? No. But is Ginther good? IMHO, not really. He just exists. Edited November 9, 20231 yr by DevolsDance
November 9, 20231 yr I feel like it's another symptom of so few people interested in running for local offices these days as well.
November 9, 20231 yr 1 hour ago, DevolsDance said: Personally, I think a lot of my "meh" for him comes when you compare him to Coleman. I am not here saying that Coleman was perfect, but the dude had a vision, and really set Columbus on an amazing path while Ginther kind of just occupies a desk. Its not that Ginther is terrible but when the previous mayor spent 16 years pushing to make Columbus the next big thing, was incredibly visible, and really worked to get things done... it just becomes really hard to be impressed or excited about the guy who just shows up when necessary and feels like he is still riding the wins of his predecessor. Is Ginther bad? No. Would I rather a Republican? No. But is Ginther good? IMHO, not really. He just exists. All. Of. This. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
November 10, 20231 yr 7 hours ago, jonoh81 said: I don't like Ginther, and think city leadership could do better in several areas, but for all the criticism they get, are things really that bad in Columbus? Are we saying that we want Republicans? Or just different Democrats? Or just change to have change? I think it's fair to both be honest and a bit cynical about the local political machine, but at the same time not be demanding change - no one wants Republicans Like you said, absolutely there's room for improvement but generally the city runs pretty well and things continue to move (albeit slowly at times) in the right direction Compare that to Columbus Public Schools (where I would welcome a change in leadership) and the district's long history of poor administration and poor results Edited November 10, 20231 yr by NW24HX
November 10, 20231 yr I actually feel CPS would offer better opportunities than a lot of the schools in surrounding counties. Maybe not southern Delaware, western Licking, or SE Union but the rest of the semi-rural schools have bad networking unless you want to go into the skilled trades or healthcare.
November 10, 20231 yr 20 hours ago, DevolsDance said: Personally, I think a lot of my "meh" for him comes when you compare him to Coleman. I am not here saying that Coleman was perfect, but the dude had a vision, and really set Columbus on an amazing path while Ginther kind of just occupies a desk. Its not that Ginther is terrible but when the previous mayor spent 16 years pushing to make Columbus the next big thing, was incredibly visible, and really worked to get things done... it just becomes really hard to be impressed or excited about the guy who just shows up when necessary and feels like he is still riding the wins of his predecessor. Is Ginther bad? No. Would I rather a Republican? No. But is Ginther good? IMHO, not really. He just exists. Completely agree with you. That's been my issue with him all along as well. I just don't think Motil really offered a compelling vision, so it was the devil you know.
December 1, 20231 yr Interview: Mayor Andrew Ginther on Tax Abatements, Zoning Reform, Transit and More Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther was elected to a third term earlier this month, defeating challenger Joe Motil by a margin of 63 percent to 36 percent. Last week, his administration announced a new proposal to significantly expand the city’s residential tax abatement program. In a recent phone interview, Mayor Ginther spoke with Columbus Underground about the new proposal and the impact that it could have on the housing market in Columbus, as well as some of the criticisms that are often voiced about tax abatements in general. Read on below for an edited transcript of the conversation, which also touched on the city’s efforts to rewrite its zoning code, the upcoming vote on transit improvements, and the mayor’s thoughts on the future of Downtown. More below: https://columbusunderground.com/interview-mayor-andrew-ginther-on-tax-abatements-zoning-reform-transit-and-more-bw1/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
December 22, 20231 yr The Columbus Way™ continues unabated, Special prosecutor to investigate Ginther's call to judge in Columbus bus terminal case The Columbus City Attorney's office has agreed to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate allegations that Mayor Andrew J. Ginther called a judge, telling her how to rule on a pending case. Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein's office has appointed Brad Nicodemus, an assistant city attorney for Whitehall, to look into Ginther allegedly telling Franklin County Environmental Judge Stephanie Mingo in early October that she should agree with the city and shutter a controversial new Greyhound bus depot on the West Side. ... Mingo said she told Ginther his call raised ethical concerns and ended it immediately, while quickly calling attorneys for the bus companies and the city to a conference to report that a potentially improper "ex parte communication" had occurred with an official from the city. At the conference, held several weeks before the election, Mingo declined inquiries by both sides to identify the city official, saying she would not do so unless compelled. However, two weeks after the election, which secured Ginther another four-year term, Mingo agreed to the bus companies' demands and named Ginther as the person who had made the call. https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2023/12/21/special-prosecutor-to-review-ginthers-phone-call-to-judge/72000122007/ Edited December 22, 20231 yr by NW24HX
November 14, 2024Nov 14 City of Columbus 2025 Annual Budget Climbs to $1.23 Billion Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther announced today the 2025 General Fund budget proposal, which clocks in at $1.23 billion — a slight increase from last year’s $1.20 billion budget. “Investments we’ve made in past years, particularly in safety and housing, are proving their value, with Columbus leading the nation in homicide reduction and housing starts up 21% in 2024,” stated Ginther. “We will continue these proven investments that are impacting safety and affordability for all residents, while embracing opportunities to innovate and strengthen our support for every family in every Columbus neighborhood.” The budget includes a list of 21 priority items that Mayor Ginther has highlighted to focus upon, which range from workforce development to climate change to housing stability. More below: https://columbusunderground.com/city-of-columbus-2025-annual-budget-climbs-to-1-23-billion-we1/ & https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/11/13/columbus-ginther-2025-operating-budget-proposal.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
April 16Apr 16 Full Text of Columbus 2025 “State of the City” Address The 2025 “State of the City” address was delivered by Mayor Andrew Ginther on Wednesday, April 16th at noon. The full video can be found on YouTube, and the full transcript of the address can be found below. --- Good evening, friends and neighbors. I am so grateful to be here with all of you tonight, standing shoulder to shoulder at this critical moment for our community and our future. I want to thank everyone who opened things up this evening, including the amazing students of Fort Hayes, as well as Fort Hayes principal Dr. Milton Ruffin, Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman and the members of the Columbus City School Board for hosting us here tonight. Neighbors, the state of our city is strong. Thanks to community collaboration that is more vigorous than ever, an intentional use of our resources and a commitment to harnessing our region’s success to benefit everyone, we are driving change across our community’s top priorities: housing, safety, mobility and prosperity for our residents. But our momentum can only be sustained, and accelerated, if we continue to work together to make our city even better. I am so excited tonight because I know we share a vision for the future that is both impactful and inclusive, one that supports each of our neighbors and lifts up every corner of Columbus. For progress to be transformative, it cannot be achieved alone or on behalf of a select few. More below: https://columbusunderground.com/full-text-of-columbus-2025-state-of-the-city-address-we1/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
