Ginther expressed the view that the mayor’s economic policies are simply bearing sweet fruits in due season.

By IKE MGBATOGU
Contributing Writer

COLUMBUS - On ‘Numbers Economic Index,’ which measures the economic strength of cities around the country, Columbus is more than holding its own.

The ‘Numbers’ index report for this month was recently released, featuring an analysis where it applied 18 different factors to size up the economic vitality of cities, using such factors as ‘private-sector job growth, unemployment and housing price appreciation.’

In the report, Oklahoma City, Austin, Texas, Omaha, Neb., Pittsburgh, Denver and Houston ranked ahead of Columbus.

But no doubt, Columbus is right up there with the best of them having done a sterling job, according to the index, for ranking an impressive seventh on economic strength among 102 largest metro areas in the U.S.

That’s not bad.

Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman would cartwheel in glee if he could. But when he brags, as he always does, about his city being a great place to “live, work and raise a family,” you really don’t have to take his word for it.

Just read the entire article recently published in the “Business First” and see for yourself. The article lauded Columbus’ economic performance compared to other big cities.

It wasn’t just “Business First” who gave big thumbs up to Columbus. “The New York Times” magazine also ran a piece on the same subject, raining praises on Mayor Coleman and his economic policies as reasons why the city is postured for economic growth and prosperity.

“It’s probably true,” wrote Matt Bai of the New York Times Magazine, in his recent piece, “that states rise and fall with the national economy. But it’s also true that a state or a city can make choices that enable it to ride out the economic lows and then take advantage when times get better. And to the extent that Columbus is leading Ohio’s economic rebound and to the extent that Coleman was able to make hard choices that kept the city moving forward, he probably deserves as much credit as any other Ohio politician.”

But that impressive assessment wasn’t really surprising to Columbus City Council President Andrew J. Ginther. “Columbus is a special place thanks to bold and decisive leadership and that includes the partnership with those in the business and social service communities,” said Ginther.

Ginther expressed the view that the mayor’s economic policies are simply bearing sweet fruits in due season.

“Because of Mayor Coleman, Auditor Dorrian, and this city council, we have been able to grow our economy and protect the quality of life in our neighborhoods without sacrificing critical safety services,” said Ginther.

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