With the election imminent and absentee voting happening now, in the 15th largest city in the US, Columbus, Ohio sees a really young, goal-oriented, and impressive professional democratic City Council ticket. We had the opportunity to sit down with current member and candidate Shannon Hardin and Council candidate Elizabeth Brown. We speak about urban life, millennial challenges, how to overcome poverty in cities and small business development.
First, we caught up with public service advocate and new mother of Carolyn, who was just born this October, Elizabeth Brown. Elizabeth, or as her friends call her, Liz, comes from a long line of civil servants with her father, United States Senator Sherrod Brown having served in public office for many years and her mother, Social Services Advocate for low-income seniors, Larke Recchie.
Elizabeth has, for many years, lived in the vibrant Short North Arts District in the heart of Columbus and previously lived in NYC for 5 years. He is running for a key seat on City Council with the goal of tackling poverty, challenges to transportation infrastructure, a way to attract new business to keep current employers here in Columbus. “Our city is growing at a very fast pace and these are issues and challenges that I am focused on improving as a team on the Council,” said Liz.
Liz invites all newcomers and visitors to Columbus to ensure to stop by all our ‘foodie’ spots and make sure to support local boutiques and emerging fashion brands as we grow in small business, we must also continue to support local. As a new mother, she hopes to lead the town on the Council and raise her daughter in the most dynamic of places.
When we spoke to Councilor Shannon Hardin, current Board member and running for re-election this season, we were impressed by her attitude and candor about issues facing young people today, her passion for supporting the small business community and her love of community and engagement. Her friends call her Shannon so while running to defend her seat on the Board, Shannon cannot wait to tell us how excited she is to work with the other Board candidates on her ticket, Elizabeth Brown, Jaiza Paige, Zach Klein and Michael Stinziano.
Shannon told us about the different initiatives in the city that she helped implement with Mayor Coleman, such as the Apps for Purpose, Pride and Success (APPS) program serving at-risk youth populations. This program is modeled after an identical one in LA with a view to targeting prevention and intervention. Shannon goes on to explain his current 5 year success rate and life with the city. Shannon had the opportunity to find out about leadership and keenness for community from Mayor Michael B. Coleman who has served as acting Mayor for 16 years and has developed Columbus into what it’s today. (Look out for our exclusive with Mayor Coleman in the coming weeks!)
Shannon’s other interest is the growth and development of minority and small business businesses. Shannon, a native of Columbus’ south side, colours Columbus as an animated city with so much flair and culture. She serves on the minority business committee on the board and she plans to continue her mission of supporting small businesses and owners to take the leap and open in Columbus and stay in Columbus.
Elizabeth and Shannon both share their love of travel with us. Elizabeth tells of her love story with Dubrovnik, Croatia and the perfect weather, ambiance and obviously, food! Shannon shared were unforgettable days in Egypt and the Middle East in general. He talked about the friendliness of the people and the incredible historical pyramid sites.
In a thriving city with a lifestyle that’s easy to dive into, Columbus is full of talent and keenness for the future. After sitting down with these two very energetic Board candidates, we are excited for the coming days as a team of young professionals tackle some of the toughest issues facing our city.
