Roses and thorns: 7-11-21
A rose to the Columbus City Council, which chose Ward 2 councilman Joseph Mickens as the city’s new vice mayor, although we are disappointed that it required a tie-breaking vote from Mayor Keith Gaskin to do it. We believe Mickens, now in his fourth term on the council, was the obvious choice. That conclusion is not based purely on tenure, but on his record. Those who have followed council meetings for any length of time are sure to have observed Mickens’ growth as a leader. He’s proven to be an independent voice, someone who does not hesitate to challenge the mayor or other members when he feels they are in error. On many occasions, it has been Mickens who asked the tough questions and demanded accountability. His experience will no doubt be of value to the first-term mayor as well as the council, which also has two first-time members.