Andy Ginther’s 41-minute State of the City Speech given yesterday was as usual heavy on campaign rhetoric, self-promotion and empty promises rather than admitting or even hinting at his failures and mistakes.

Ginther emphasized that LinkUS Columbus is critically important to the growth of Columbus yet he continues to exclude the essential services of regional bus transportation providers as partners of LinkUS Columbus.    

Ginther stated, “How lucky are we to lead and shape the future of this incredible place.” Of course, the mayor was referring to his major campaign contributors, developers, power brokers, and the 80 member Columbus Partnership.

Ginther’s “Clean and Safe Corridor Initiative” promises to deliver a “strategic effort to improve safety, fuel economic prosperity and promote quality of life along key business corridors where there is a clear and quantifiable need for focused, proactive intervention.” “Over a span of two weeks, Columbus crews filled potholes, picked up trash, addressed specific safety issues, inspected local businesses, identified and monitored code violations, and more – providing a range of services from multiple city departments, valued at more than $164,000 in labor and infrastructure.”

These are all basic city services that business corridors and neighborhoods from around the city that should be provided for taxpayers in a timely manner, but have been ignored for decades. So, we are to believe that Ginther, after serving 18-years as a city of Columbus elected official has all of a sudden had a change of heart and is going to start cleaning up our neighborhoods and business corridors? Don't hold your breath. Sure our neighborhoods will continue to receive the left-over crumbs while tens of millions of taxpayer dollars pour into downtown, Short North, Arena District, Astor Park, and the Scioto Peninsula to protect the investments of the rich and powerful.         

During Ginther's state of the city address, the seal of Columbus detached from the podium while striking the stage.

Clearly a high sign that Ginther’s policies are failing. Especially his affordable housing and public safety strategies as evictions and homelessness are at all-time highs and high rents are out of reach for tens of thousands. The Columbus seal falling symbolized the future of everyday people and neighborhoods continuing to spiral downward with no hope in sight as long as he remains mayor.