The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund announced on Thursday the endorsement of Mayor Andrew Ginther for re-election and a slate of candidates for City Council. In the first election held under Columbus’ new council structure, the OEC Action Fund is endorsing candidates in all nine districts across the city.
The endorsed candidates are: (* denotes incumbent)
Mayor: Andrew J. Ginther *
Columbus City Council
District 1: Christopher Wyche
District 2: Nancy Day-Achauer
District 3: Rob Dorans *
District 4: Emmanuel Remy *
District 5: Nick Bankston *
District 6: Melissa Green
District 7: Shayla Favor *
District 8: Lourdes Barroso de Padilla *
District 9: Shannon Hardin *
“The OEC Action Fund is thrilled to endorse a phenomenal slate of climate champions,” Spencer Dirrig, director of the OEC Action Fund, said. “Columbus has made major progress in the last few years toward becoming a true leader in environmental justice and sustainability. We know these public servants will continue to deliver on the critical goals set out in the Columbus Climate Action Plan.”
“We are committed to working alongside the Mayor and Columbus City Council to ensure that Columbus continues to promote clean energy development, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and expand equitable access to public green space across the city,” Carol Kauffman, president of the OEC Action Fund, said.
The OEC Action Fund is endorsing candidates for City Council under a new system that increases the number of members on the council to nine while requiring geographical diversity from candidates. Of the nine seats available on the council, only 3 districts will be contested.
“While we are thrilled to support this group of phenomenal candidates, the OEC Action Fund remains concerned by the lack of competition and access to the ballot in this new system. We believe that a robust democracy requires competition, accessibility, and accountability. We look forward to working with elected leaders and the community to explore options that ensure Columbus can be a leader in democratic participation,” Dirrig said.
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The OEC Action Fund, a 501c4 organization, seeks to protect and enhance the environment, economic viability, and health of all Ohio communities by expanding access to public lands, advancing critical environmental priorities, holding policymakers accountable, and electing environmental champions.
Contact: Marisa Twigg, mtwigg@theoec.org | 614-487-5837