Michael B. Coleman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael B. Coleman
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|---|---|
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| 52nd Mayor of Columbus | |
| In office January 1, 2000 – January 1, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Greg Lashutka |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Ginther |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 18, 1954 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses |
Frankie Coleman
(m. 1984; dissolved 2011)Janelle Simmons
(m. 2016) |
| Residences | Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Education | University of Cincinnati (BA) University of Dayton (JD) |
Michael B. Coleman (born November 18, 1954) is an American politician. He was the 52nd mayor of Columbus, Ohio. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Coleman was the first African-American person to be mayor of Ohio's capital city. He served on the Columbus City Council from 1992 to 1999. He was the council's president from 1997 to 1999.
In 1999, Coleman was elected mayor of Columbus. He was re-elected several times. He served as mayor until January 1, 2016.
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Early Life and Education
Michael B. Coleman was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 18, 1954. He moved to Toledo when he was young.
He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Cincinnati. Later, he earned a law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law.
Career Highlights
Working as an Attorney
From 1984 to 1999, Coleman worked as a lawyer. He was part of the business team at a law firm in Columbus. He eventually became a partner at the firm.
Serving on Columbus City Council
Michael B. Coleman started his public service career in 1992. He was chosen to be on the Columbus City Council. He was re-elected to the council two times.
From 1997 until 1999, Coleman was the President of the Columbus City Council. He left this role when he was elected mayor.
Running for Governor
In 1998, Coleman ran for lieutenant governor of Ohio. He was the running mate for Lee Fisher, but they lost the election.
In 2005, Coleman announced he would run for governor of Ohio. However, he later decided to leave the race. He said he needed to focus on his work as mayor and his family.
He later supported Ted Strickland, another Democrat, for governor. After Strickland won, Coleman helped lead his transition team.
Mayor of Columbus
Michael B. Coleman was elected mayor of Columbus in 1999. He was re-elected in 2003, 2007, and 2011.
During his time as mayor, Columbus spent less money than planned. He also increased spending on police and fire services. The city saved over $190 million since 2000.
By 2013, Columbus had a top credit rating from major agencies. This showed the city was managing its money well.
In 2007, Coleman joined a group called Mayors Against Illegal Guns. This group worked to make communities safer by reducing illegal guns.
Coleman was also considered for the 2008 World Mayor award.
2007 Mayoral Campaign
In the 2007 mayoral election, Coleman ran against William Todd. Todd was a Republican lawyer. Coleman won the election with over 69 percent of the votes.
Immigration Discussion in 2010
In 2010, Mayor Coleman took a stand on an Arizona law. This law allowed police to ask people for proof of citizenship if they suspected them of being in the U.S. illegally.
Coleman felt this law was unfair. He banned city workers from traveling to Arizona as a protest. He wanted to show that this law was not in line with American values.
2011 Mayoral Election
Mayor Coleman ran for his fourth term in 2011. His opponent was Republican Earl W. Smith. On November 8, 2011, Coleman won the election. He received almost 70 percent of the votes.
Longest-Serving Mayor
On January 2, 2014, Michael B. Coleman began his 15th year as mayor. This made him the longest-serving mayor in Columbus's history. He also became the country's longest-serving black mayor.
Returning to Law
On November 25, 2014, Coleman announced he would not seek another term as mayor. His final term ended on January 1, 2016.
In 2015, Coleman shared that he would return to practicing law. He joined Ice Miller LLP, a law firm that had merged with his old firm. He now works as a director and partner there.
In 2018, the city of Columbus named a new government building after him. It is called the Michael B. Coleman Government Center.
Personal Life
In 1984, Coleman married Frankie. They had three adult children: Kimberly, Justin, and John-David. Justin is a police officer in Columbus. John-David served in the United States Marine Corps. In 2011, their marriage ended.
In September 2016, Coleman married Janelle Simmons. She is the president of the L Brands Foundation.
Coleman is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and a Prince Hall Freemason. He belongs to St. Mark's Lodge #7 in Columbus, Ohio.
See also
In Spanish: Michael B. Coleman para niños
- List of Ohio lieutenant gubernatorial elections
