The Columbus Dispatch reported that city lobbyists and former Mayor Michael Coleman and former Columbus City Council President John Kennedy were both hired this past Spring by the Haslam Sports Group to help broker the new Crew Stadium deal. Joe Motil, candidate for Columbus City Council stated, “It’s no secret that Michael Coleman is fully responsible for Council President Shannon Hardin’s appointment to City Council and his giving the boot to former pro-tem Priscilla Tyson who was in line to serve as the next City Council President. Coleman also hand-picked Andrew Ginther to replace him as Mayor.  Mr. Kennedy has continued over the years to maintain close relationships with City Hall Department Directors and others”. Both men were also recently hired as lobbyist by the Greater Columbus Arts Council and Franklin County Conventions Center Authority to influence City Council to agree to a Ticket Tax that will provide that organization with an estimated $6 million annually and they represented the developers of the $192 million North Market project.  

Motil further states that, “In typical fashion of City Hall’s lack of transparency and accountability from its back room deal makings, City Council members, Ginther, Coleman, Kennedy and former Development Director Steve Schoeny were all in hiding and offered no comment for the story.” Mayor Ginther’s spokesperson tried to cover for her boss by stating that Coleman and Ginther’s engagement in this deal “was not in any way unusual or improper.” Hardin’s Chief of Staff Michael Brown back peddled as well when asked about when Council became aware of the $113.9 million price tag stating, “That is the latest estimate for various district projects: some are still being planned for the announced developments, and prices are not final (until) after it goes to bid.” Motil says, “In other words, expect the taxpayers to pay even more than the current 113.9 million.”

Motil concludes that, “When I am elected in two weeks to Columbus City Council, one of my first orders of business will be to introduce legislation prohibiting former elected public officials and City Hall Department Directors from serving as City of Columbus Legislative Agents (lobbyist). If our neighborhoods and working families are to ever stand a chance at gaining economic stability and success, the rich and powerful who have a stranglehold on City Council members and the Mayor, and on how our tax dollars are spent, must be removed from the equation. It’s time to let everyday people decide on the future of their city.”