The conference covered such topics as municipal development, education and healthcare, as well as mining, energy and environment, all of which formed the core of the presentation delivered by Tyson.

By IKE MGBATOGU
Contributing Writer

COLUMBUS – It’s a place most Columbus residents probably never heard of, but it is where one of their leaders Priscilla R. Tyson met with her peers recently to trumpet the city as a global leader in government reform.

Recently, Tyson traveled to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea where she shared the city’s government reform accomplishments with African leaders and learning from them as well.

Tyson was in Malabo, capital of that small African country to attend the World Conference of Mayors’ annual clambake. There, she gave a presentation touting Columbus’ commitment to promoting green energy. She told the gathering that the city has embarked on a number of efforts due to that commitment, including the “construction of a compressed natural gas fueling station, acquisition of CNG vehicles, and installation of geothermal underground water wells and solar panel systems at city facilities.”

Tyson wasn’t just being a rodomont about Columbus accomplishments. She said that sharing the city’s experiences was a way to help other countries with their own government reforms.

“Columbus has a national reputation for sound management and responsible governance,” said Tyson, who is the vice chair of the National League of Cities’ Community and Economic Development Steering Committee.

“It is my honor to share our story nationally and internationally so that other communities can benefit from our experience and success.”

The conference covered such topics as municipal development, education and healthcare, as well as mining, energy and environment, all of which formed the core of the presentation delivered by Tyson.

“America’s cities are embracing innovation in crucial areas like development, healthcare, and the arts,” said Tyson. “My goal, when I meet with leaders from other cities, is to share what is working here and bring back to Columbus ideas that are working elsewhere.”

Mgbatogu is a freelance writer and editor of Onumba.com based in Columbus. He can be reached by email at Onumbamedia@yahoo.com" target="_blank" title="mailto:Onumbamedia@yahoo.com">Onumbamedia@yahoo.com