Human Rights Commission down to eight commissioners; chair asks council to expedite appointment
Summary
Mike Champlin, chair of the Human Rights Commission, told council the commission has dropped to eight active commissioners, below the ordinance minimum of nine, and cannot officially conduct business until appointments return it to the required level. He asked council members to expedite appointments.
Mike Champlin, chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, informed the Columbus city council that the commission had lost another commissioner and now has eight active members, while the commission’s ordinance requires between nine and 11 members.
"Because we're at 8, we can't officially conduct business," Champlin said, adding that with eight active commissioners the commission cannot vote or take official actions and is limited to informal meetings. He asked council members, and the council’s liaison and appointing authorities, to be "expeditious" in processing appointment interviews, swearing‑in and training so the commission can resume official business.
A council member acknowledged the update and said the council would move the matter along as quickly as practicable. No formal council action occurred at the meeting beyond that request for expedited appointments.
Ending: The commission remains unable to act formally until a new commissioner is appointed and seated; Champlin said the timeline could be “months” because the appointment process includes interviews and training.
