Cholesterol problems have sidelined Mayor Keith Gaskin from duty for at least the next two weeks, according to city officials who spoke to The Dispatch.
Angela Jones, the mayor’s executive assistant, confirmed she emailed council members Monday advising them of Gaskin’s leave of absence. In it, she said, she explained that Gaskin’s doctor recommended a two-week vacation due to cholesterol.
She told The Dispatch that Gaskin had not been hospitalized.
Vice Mayor Joseph Mickens, who represents Ward 2 on the council, confirmed he received the email from Jones but had not heard from Gaskin directly. He presided over Tuesday’s council meeting and said he is prepared to handle mayoral duties until Gaskin’s return. The council also will hold a public hearing Thursday on its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025, and a work session is scheduled for Aug. 29.
“I’m always prepared because you never know when you may have to step in,” Mickens said. “… I ask for the people of Columbus to keep the mayor lifted up in prayers for his recovery so he can get back to the job the people have elected him to do.”
Mickens also presided over the council’s Aug. 6 meeting and the mayor’s regular press conference the next day because Gaskin was out with an undisclosed illness. He returned to work the following week.
Gaskin did not respond to a text message from The Dispatch by press time.
Zack Plair is the managing editor for The Dispatch.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 44 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
