January 13, 2006

Hudson is sworn in to her first full term on council

by Eric Resnick

Columbus--?When I appointed Mary Jo [Hudson] to the Community Relations Commission, it was my hope we?d be here today, and we are,? said Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman.

Hudson was sworn in to her first elected four year term as a member of Columbus City Council January 4 in the Palm Room of the Franklin Park Conservatory by City Attorney Richard Pfeiffer, with her partner Lynn Wallich by her side.

Hudson became the capital city?s first openly lesbian member of council in September 2004 when she was appointed to fill the seat of a retiring member. Hudson left her post on the commission to be seated on council.

Hudson was immediately made chair of the newly created Jobs and Economic Development Committee.

Council president Matt Habash called Hudson?s election ?a historic event? at the time of her appointment ?that continues to be excellent.?

?A legacy of jobs and economic development is a legacy any official would like to leave,? said Habash.

City council once ?felt like the Little League team I wasn?t supposed to be on,? said Hudson, ?but then I saw my name on the list.?

Hudson paid tribute to Wallich and her parents, who were also in attendance, calling them her best campaigners. She also recognized the Womens? Fund, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Stonewall Democrats for both opportunities for leadership and support.

Hudson?s colleague Maryellen O?Shaughnessy shared the event and was sworn in immediately following Hudson.

State Rep. Joyce Beatty, who is the House Minority Leader and a Columbus resident, told the three hundred in attendance, ?On election night, I felt no better honor than to stand with Councilwoman Mary Jo Hudson and Councilwoman Maryellen O?Shaughnessy.?

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