New faces debut at Columbus City Council meeting

Two new faces appeared at the Columbus City Council meeting Tuesday July 14, 2026. Dr. Cathy Cook was officially sworn in as the new District 9 At Large representative in front of a standing room only crowd and thunderous applause. Dr. Cook ousted John Anker who was appointed to the seat in a hotly contested June runoff.

After taking her seat in council chambers Dr. Cook, a local dentist told the crowd last night “was like the night before the first day of school.” She was excited to be there and had just one request from Columbus constituents. “When I don’t make the decision you like, still talk to me in the grocery store,” Dr. Cook said.

City Manager Tyson Begley made his debut attending his first council meeting after officially being appointed last month. Begley takes the office a year after the city council voted to fire Isaiah Hugley.  Now Mayor-elect Hugley was in the front row of the audience as Dr. Cook took her oath of office. Hugley will be sworn in as mayor in January next year.

Newly elected District 3 Councilor Sherrie Aaron and District 7 Councilor Becca Zajac will also be officially sworn in January 2027. Councilor Simi Barnes immediately took her seat representing District 1 after winning a special election in May. Barnes is the daughter of late Councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes who previously served in that position.