When Colin Krieger moved to Columbus nearly 20 years ago, he was working for Papa John’s to improve the quality and reputations of struggling community restaurants.
“I would tell them, ‘Yesterday’s gone. This is a new day. Even if you weren’t perfect yesterday, today is a new day,’” Krieger said.
Now a Realtor with RE/MAX in Columbus, Krieger sees parallels between his work with those local Papa John’s stores and the city he now calls home.
“You have all the ingredients, all the tools. If you make a plan and stick to it, you will win,” Krieger said while giving the welcome at the inauguration for the new mayor and city council Monday morning at Trotter Convention Center. “… Even if your family talks bad about you. Even if the Facebook groups talk bad about you. You stand tall, you take this opportunity to start over and do things exceptionally, and you will win. … When you tell people that, and when they believe it, you’ll be fascinated at how quickly things get better.”
A “new day” theme resounded through the ceremony, highlighted by incoming mayor Stephen Jones and all six city council members taking their respective oaths of office. The new term, which begins today, sees four new faces on the council – Roderick Smith of Ward 2, Lavonne Harris of Ward 4, Gary Jefferson of Ward 5 and Jason Spears of Ward 6. Only two incumbents, Ward 1’s Ethel Stewart and Ward 3’s Rusty Greene, will return.
Jones, also a Realtor with RE/MAX who has served Ward 5 on the city council since 2016, said in his remarks Monday that now is a time of great challenges and opportunities in Columbus. As mayor, he pledged to “work tirelessly” for every citizen.
“I stand before you, not just as your mayor, but as a representative of our shared hopes, dreams and aspirations,” Jones said. “… As we look around, we see the vibrant tapestry of our city, diverse, resilient and full of potential. It is our responsibility to harness that potential and ensure every voice is heard.”
Jones said he wants Columbus to be a city that offers quality education, affordable housing and safe neighborhoods for all its citizens. He wants to lead the city to a future of “innovation and sustainability,” embracing green energy initiatives and investing in infrastructure that meets the people’s needs while preserving the “character and charm that makes our city unique.”
The city’s success, he said, depends crucially on citizen involvement.
“I urge each of you to get involved,” Jones said. “Attend city council meetings. Join boards and share your ideas. Your engagement is crucial in shaping policy that reflects the needs of our city. … I am filled with hope for what lies ahead. Together, we will face the challenges with courage and determination.”
In Krieger’s remarks, he noted his and Jones’ years of friendship. He also challenged Jones and the council to remember why people elected them.
“The people want you to succeed, even the critics,” Krieger said. “Nobody wants to watch you suffer for the next four years. They want things to come out better. They want things to be amazing. If y’all focus on the people, focus on serving, and believe that things will get better, they will.”
Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.
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