By Okon Ekpenyong

A new dawn has arrived in Ohio’s 4th House District as Beryl Brown Piccolantonio sworn to finish the term of Former Ohio state representative Mary Lightbody, who resigned on January 9, 2024, to prioritize her personal life and family. 

It marks the end of a significant chapter, especially for someone whose dedication to public service has inspired and impacted the lives of many, including the newly elected Representative Piccolantonio.”

While Lightbody served as the representative, which includes parts of Gahanna, where the former Gahanna School Board President Beryl Brown Piccolantonio has lived for more than 25 years, the two collaborated on numerous community projects and events. They worked together to maintain a vibrant and inclusive city, welcoming to all residents, including those who are new to America.

After serving since 2019, Lightbody prioritized her well-being and ensured that her loved ones lived a fulfilling life, leading to success and happiness.

Lightbody, who represented Ohio’s 4th House District, had a successful career in public service. She received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and earned her MEd and Ph.D. from the Ohio State University. Before entering the world of politics, Lightbody was a senior lecturer at OSU’s Newark campus and, more recently, at Otterbein University.

The 4th Ohio House District is diverse and expansive, covering Westerville, New Albany, Gahanna, and parts of Columbus’ Northeast Side and Blendon, Jefferson, Plain, and Sharon townships. With over 100,000 residents, this district is home to various cultures and communities. It is also home to several schools, businesses, and recreational areas, making it a vibrant and bustling region within Ohio.

The decision to step down was challenging for Lightbody, who was dedicated to serving the people of her district. However, she believed it was time to pass on the torch and allow someone else to continue the important work she started. 

“I do this with regret but conviction that this is the right decision for me and my family. It has been an honor to serve, and I deeply appreciate the confidence voters placed in me each time I ran for election. I loved the work and always did my best to help constituents, to draft and support strong legislative pieces to help families, support excellent education in Ohio, protect the environment, and create paths to employment and equal opportunities for health and well being,” Former Rep Lightbody said.

The Ohio House Democrats handpicked Piccolantonio to replace Lightbody for the Northeast Franklin County seat. She knows the district back of her hands and is well respected in the community. Piccolantonio comes from a long line of political figures in her family. Her father, Eric Brown, was a former Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice; her mother, Marilyn Brown, served as Franklin County Commissioner.

Piccolantonio served as a board member and president, advocating for the voices of students and teachers in her district and throughout the state. She expresses gratitude to her former colleagues and faculty members she met during her tenure. Her new colleagues, members of the House, also expressed appreciation for her efforts to enhance the quality of education and support teachers in her district and across the state.

As Lightbody bids farewell to her position, she leaves a legacy of hard work and dedication. Her commitment to making a positive impact in her community will live on. And while her time in office may have ended, her influence and contributions will continue in the hands of Piccolantonio, who has already filled to run in this year’s election. 

“Where do I even begin? What a surreal and amazing experience the last two days have been! Yesterday, I was unanimously voted to fill a vacancy as the State Representative for Ohio House District 04”, said Rep Piccolantonio. 

On the House floor, Rep Piccolantonio thanked the House Democratic caucus, including House Leader Allison Russo, for believing in her ability to represent House District 4. She also expressed eagerness to build relationships and collaborate with all chamber members.

“I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity to serve even more of my community in a different way than my prior service. As you all know, I have incredible shoes to fill as State Representative Mary Lightbody served us all so faithfully. And I have had lots of opportunity to get to know my wonderful community and amazing people, and I will continue to work hard every day for all of us in the District”.

“I have always taken my oath of office very seriously and will continue to do so as a member of this esteemed body. My decisions will recognize the dignity and worth of each and every Ohioan as together we strive toward our shared promise of a more perfect Union and our shared American Dream of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Although it may look different for each of us, we are all part of this shared project and each of us deserves the opportunity to thrive,” she said on the house floor. 

She also expressed gratitude towards her father for swearing her in and thanked her mother for always being there and showing her that women have a voice and a place in politics. She also gave a heartfelt shoutout to her sister, husband, and the rest of her family, including her three sons, for their ongoing support and encouragement in her service to others.

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