COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Former Columbus City Council President Jerry Hammond, Sr., died early Wednesday morning. He served on council from 1974-1990.
NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.
Hammond, 76, was appointed to a council seat in 1974 and was elected president in 1984. He held the position of president until 1990.
His council accomplishments included creation of the Legislative Research Office and the neighborhood commissions, which advise council on issues such as zoning.
He also was a leader in the development of the Downtown area, in funding for arts and conventions, and for initiatives in education, human services and minority affairs.
Hammond served as executive assistant to the president of Columbus Southern Power (now American Electric Power), and as bureau chief for the Ohio Department of Economic and Community Development. Former positions included those at the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, city of Columbus, Training Institute of Central Ohio and Franklin County Children Services.
Hammond served on many boards and commissioners during his career, including Rickenbacker Port Authority, Ameriflora, United Way and the National Urban Policy Roundtable. He was the recipient of more than 200 community service and achievement awards.
Hammond battled Parkinson's disease for almost a decade.
STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL PRESIDENT MICHAEL C. MENTEL
"Jerry Hammond was a devoted public servant, a mentor and leader who deeply cared about Columbus. He served on Columbus City Council from 1974-1990 and became the first African American Council President in 1984. During his years on City Council he instituted many programs that improved neighborhoods and the business climate in our city. He worked to give citizens a much stronger voice in local government and created the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) program, a small business loan program. In fact, much of the economic development in places like the Short North can be directly tied to the NCR program. The Jerry Hammond Center along East Broad Street, now home to many Columbus City departments, is a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions to our community will never be forgotten."
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR TED STRICKLAND
"This was a man that took care of the community. He cared deeply for the people he served. He gave a voice to those who didn’t have one and a hand to those who needed one. He was what every public servant should aspire to be."
STATEMENT FROM COLUMBUS MAYOR MICHAEL COLEMAN
"Jerry Hammond was an iconic figure who made an immeasurably positive impact on the City of Columbus, and on me personally as a mentor and a friend. Jerry was a passionate statesman who spent a lifetime standing for those who were least able to stand up for themselves. There will never be another like him. My deepest sympathies go out to Jerry’s family and loved ones."
Some story information taken from Franklin County Children Services' web site.
For the latest news and information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement