ONUMBA.COM – The new look of the Columbus City Council finally emerged last week after Michelle M. Mills and Zachary M. Klein were sworn in as new members. 

Both were sworn in at the City Council Chambers on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

Mills replaced Charleta Tavares who is now a state senator while Klein was appointed to the seat previously held by Michael Mentel, who recently resigned as council president to focus on his law practice and spend more time with his family.

The new council President Andrew Ginther expressed confidence in his new colleagues.

“I am certain that council members Mills and Klein will serve with distinction as we work to create an even better community to live and raise our families,” he said.

After they were sworn in, both spoke to the Onumba.com about their momentous day and one issue of concern they would like to focus on.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the city of Columbus,” said Klein, who has a law degree from Capital University School of Law.

“I look forward to working with the council, Mayor Coleman, the city attorney to make Columbus a better place to live,” he said.

Klein said his main priority will be “economic development.”  He said that he plans to work with the “business community to ensure that there are jobs for all the residents of the city of Columbus.”

He said he would work to give existing Columbus businesses the resources to grow and succeed while working with the council to craft initiatives for attracting new businesses to the city.

Mills , who has a Master of Science degree in social administration from Cleveland State University, hopes her appointment to the council inspires young girls in Columbus to achieve their dreams. 

“It demonstrates to other young girls that they can dream and succeed.  That they can change the world,” she said.

When asked about one thing she would like to focus on as Columbus  city council member, she replied, “Its people.”

“We must make sure we don’t neglect the people,” she said, calling them “our biggest assets.”

Mills and Klein were appointed out of a crowded field of 49 applicants that applied for the two vacancies. 

Both Mills and Klein are Columbus residents. 

Mgbatogu is a freelance writer and editor of Onumba.com based in Columbus.  He can be reached by email at: Onumbamedia@yahoo.com