Columbus Light & Water Board Chairman Andrew Colom resigned from his post on the board following Thursday’s meeting.
Colom announced the news to his fellow board members before the meeting. He told them he believed they could find someone better suited for a role on the board than himself. He also noted his personal desire to move quickly might not always be the best fit for the board of a public entity.
“I think I’m more of a small business person, small group of people — able to make decisions quickly and move very quickly,” Colom said. “I think you need somebody who’s going to be more patient in this position, who’s going to be more local and here a lot. I’m not often even here, to be honest with you. I flew back from Detroit just to come to this meeting.”
The Columbus City Council appointed Colom to the position in Jan. 2012 to finish former board member Jabari Edwards’ term. Edwards’ term ended in June 2013. CL&W General Manager Todd Gale said board members serve 5-year terms. The council appoints each board member.
Colom’s current term ends in June 2018.
After the meeting, Colom told The Dispatch that his personal interests often pulled him away from Columbus. He said he hopes his successor can give the seat the attention it needs.
“I really want the best for the citizens of Columbus and I think they deserve a full-time chair being focused on their needs,” he said.
The board unanimously accepted Colom’s resignation.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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