Swearing-In of Councilmember Tierra Ross - Jan 5, 2026
Swearing-In of Councilmember Tierra Ross - Jan 5, 2026
This special session of the Columbus City Council, held on January 5, 2026, was dedicated exclusively to the formal swearing-in of Tierra Ross as the newest member of the Council representing District 7. Translated by Council President Harden as a "People's Living Room" event, the ceremony emphasized continuity of service, faith, and a deep commitment to social justice. The gathering celebrated Ross's transition from Assistant City Attorney to elected official, featuring tributes from mentor City Attorney Zach Klein, former colleagues, and family, all underscoring her decade of dedicated public service. Following the musical performances of the national and black national anthems, an opening prayer, and testimonials highlighting her resilience and work ethic, Ross was administered the oath of office by Judge Laurel Beatty Blunt, officially commencing her term.
Discussion Items
- Opening Remarks & Context: Council President Harden described the event as a moment of "continuity of service" and highlighted Ross's history of quiet, unwavering advocacy for justice and the voiceless, citing her faith-based leadership style.
- Tribute by City Attorney Zach Klein: Klein expressed full support for Ross, noting he invited her out of private practice in 2017 to build a team. He stated her love for Columbus is evident in her actions, specifically citing her presence during the Christmas Day water pipe bursts and her real-time assistance at Colonial Village. He expressed that while he will miss her, he believes in her and is proud of her.
- Tribute by Dr. Olivia Nathan: Ross's sister expressed unconditional support and affirmed that Ross's leadership is rooted in a lifelong character of truth-telling and protection. She stated that she witnessed Ross's dedication to justice as a child and affirmed her calling to the role. She noted that while there were smear attempts during the campaign, Ross remained faithful and grounded.
- Testimony by Steve Dunbar: A former colleague from the City Attorney's office expressed admiration for Ross's work ethic, distinguishing her from others who claim to "want to help people" by detailing her extreme dedication. He described her actions, such as camping on lawyers' couches to work overnight, spending hours with displaced tenants from Sawyer Towers, and traveling to Wedgwood in 48 hours without sleep for a backpack event. He urged the audience to match her level of service.
- Testimony by Steve Dunbar (Continued): Dunbar acknowledged their personal bond and the bittersweet nature of their changing relationship as he left the firm, noting that Ross was the one who took his place. He asserted that Ross represents a model of service that few others emulate.
- Testimony by City Attorney Zach Klein (Mentorship): Klein reiterated his praise for Ross's understanding of public policy meeting the law, noting she knows the city "inside and out."
- Tribute by a Speaking Colleague/Council Member: A speaker (unnamed in the transcript but addressing Ross) expressed support for Ross's leadership style, highlighting her presence when tenants were displaced from Sawyer Towers and her approach to public safety that centers people rather than force. They referenced Dr. Janelle Green Smith and the Crown Act, stating that justice does not move forward because it is convenient. They charged Ross to lead with courage, humility, and the willingness to speak uncomfortable truths.
- Swearing-In Ceremony: Judge Laurel Beatty Blunt administered the oath of office, reciting the standard constitutional requirements to support the charter and ordinances, and to discharge duties honestly, impartially, and to the best of one's ability. Ross recited the oath with the addition of "So help me God."
- Acceptance Remarks by Councilmember Tierra Ross: Ross expressed profound gratitude for the community and her mentors. She specifically acknowledged City Attorney Zach Klein for his mentorship, Steve Dunbar for his support over nearly a decade, Prosecutor Sheila Farb (referred to as Shayla) for her trust and sisterhood, and her sister Dr. Olivia Nathan for her steadfast friendship. She thanked her grandparents, mother, and the residents of Columbus. She stated a clear position that the city needs leaders bold enough to name injustice, unafraid to denounce inhumane stewardship of human lives, and willing to get "hands dirty" in the work of community. She vowed to ensure the promise of Columbus becomes a lived reality with access to healthcare, quality education, and safe streets for all.
Key Outcomes
- Administrative Action: Tierra Ross was officially sworn in as the Member of Columbus City Council for District 7, effective immediately on January 5, 2026.
- Oath Recited: Ross affirmed support for the City of Columbus Charter and ordinances, and committed to faithfully, honestly, and impartially discharge the duties of the office.
- Ceremonial Completion: The meeting concluded with a benediction by Bishop Jerome Ross (Ross's grandfather), citing the promise that the righteous shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, bearing fruit and prospering.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Faith Community & Elected Officials: A standing ovation was given to a broad array of faith leaders (including Bishops Jerome Ross and Timothy Clark), elected officials (Mayor Andrew Ginther, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty), and City Council colleagues to honor the occasion. No opposing testimony was recorded; the session was characterized by unanimous celebration and professional commendation.
- Community Leaders: Neighborhood and area commission leaders were acknowledged and asked to stand, reinforcing the community's support for the incoming Councilmember.
- Musical Performance: The public (audience) participated in singing the national anthem, the Black National Anthem (performed by Miss Lika Lisa Slocum), and provided vocal support throughout the prayer and benediction. No specific policy objections or public comments regarding city business were made, as the event was a singular ceremonial occasion.
Meeting Transcript
And that's just getting warmed up. Good evening. Welcome to Columbus City Council Chambers. We think of this building as the People's House. And if that be true, this room that we gather in this evening is the People's Living Room. The people houses where the voices of our neighbors are lifted and their needs are centered. It's where solutions are forged through service, thoughtful debate, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Columbus. Tonight, this chamber carries an even deeper sense of purpose and possibility as we gather to witness a truly momentous occasion. The swearing in of a longtime public servant and the newest member of Columbus City Council, Councilmember Tierra Ross. This is a moment not only about a change in office, but about continuity of service, about the values we hold, the responsibilities we carry, and the trust placed in us by the people of this city. Councilmember Ross comes to this moment as a person of deep faith and quiet humility. Someone who has not primarily sought the spotlight, but has consistently chosen the work. Her faith is not performative, it is practiced. It shows up in her commitment to justice, her compassion for others, and her unwavering advocacy for those whose voices too often go unheard. Scripture reminds us in Micah 6 8. What does the Lord require of us but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Those words describe not only a calling, but a life already lived. Thiara has spent her career standing with those seeking justice, speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and doing that with humility, integrity, and grace. That is the kind of leadership that Columbus so desperately needs right now. And that's the kind of leadership that they elected in Tierra Ross. Before we before we proceed, we greatly are grateful for the presence of so many faith leaders who have chosen to be here tonight, thought it not robbery to stand in community with their daughter, their sister, their niece, their loved one, and Tierra Ross. There are, well, let me just say, can we please give it up for Bishop Jerome Ross? Because I can hear that uh powerful voice over to my left. Could you also give it up for Bishop Timothy Clark? Let me stop there because I see a whole faith. If you are a member of the faith community, if you're a faith leadership, would you stand to be recognized? I see uh Dale Tucker is here in my past. Well, I would also like to acknowledge if you are a community leader. I see uh neighborhood leaders, if you are a neighborhood leader, area commission leader, would you please stand to be recognized? We have air commissions recognized, representing the House. And we have a host of elected officials who thought it not robbery to be here. Would you help me uh celebrate our Congresswoman Joyce Beatty? Our mayor Andrew Ginther, prosecutor Sheila Faber, City Attorney Zach Klein, Judge Laurel Beatty. And before I work to keep my seat and represent and repres uh acknowledge the folks behind me, are there other elected officials? I see uh Clerk Tayak. Would you please stand to be recognized? Where's my judge at? Judge Gwynne is here. Judge, would you stand to be recognized? The judges are here. State rep uh State Representative Meredith Lawson Row is here. Would you please recognize? And the way that I get to keep my seat is making sure that my colleagues behind me are well recognized. Would you please help me recognize Councilmember Nick Bankston? Councilmember Barossa de Padilla. Councilmember Nancy De Alco. President Pro Tim Rob Dorrans. Councilmember Melissa Green. Councilmember Emmanuel Reamy. And Councilmember Chris White.
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