What I learned from reading Jared Brey’s profile of her in this issue is how diligent Hortman was. For most of the years she served as speaker, Republicans held the state Senate, putting a brake on Democratic ambitions. Hortman kept at it. She instructed her committee chairs and other leaders to push ahead with their most ambitious bills, working out the kinks and making themselves ready to take advantage when their control of state government was complete.
At the other end of the political spectrum, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has emerged as one of the most successful conservative leaders in the country. In part, he’s been able to take advantage of evolving, more favorable views among GOP legislators. But Abbott, who was already a government veteran as a former state attorney general and Supreme Court justice, readily admits that he has continued to learn on the job as governor. Now three years into his third term, he’s at the peak of his powers.
As we salute this year’s Public Officials of the Year, I’m struck by how the winners demonstrate patience. In Ohio, Columbus has consistently outpaced the rest of the Midwest in population growth throughout this century. Knowing more growth is to come, Mayor Andrew Ginther is planning not just years but decades in advance with major changes to transit service and zoning laws, among other things.
People sometimes mistake our Public Officials program as a “best of” list. We view it as an opportunity to do what Governing always strives to do — highlight the people who are fostering real improvements in the lives of residents by making government work better.
In most cases, they’re not the most famous, but this year’s class of honorees are among the nation’s most effective leaders.
We’re proud to bring you their stories.
Find more information about the Public Officials of the Year here.
