CINCINNATI — The Hamilton County GOP has recommended Elizabeth "Betsy" Sundermann replace Amy Murray on Cincinnati City Council as she steps down next month.
Sundermann is a longtime lawyer, activist and probate court magistrate. For 13 years, Sundermann served as assistant Hamilton County prosecutor in the juvenile, dependency, drug forfeiture, municipal and appellate divisions.
The GOP announced the recommendation Wednesday evening after Murray met with party leaders and Charter Committee representatives.
“For too many years, the city’s west side has not had a voice on City Council," wrote Hamilton County GOP Chair Alex Triantafilou on Twitter Wednesday. "With (Murray) recommending Betsy Sunderman (sic), Westsiders will have a person fighting for them once she’s appointed. This is great news for neighborhoods.”
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The Committee has recommended Elizabeth “Betsy” Sundermann, a longtime lawyer, magistrate, activist and community leader in the City’s west side to fill this appointment. The west side deserves to have a strong voice on City Council. Thanks to all who applied.
— Hamilton County GOP (@HamCoGOP) February 27, 2020
Murray, appointed to City Council in 2011 and elected in 2013 and 2017, says she is taking a political appointment in the federal government in Washington, D.C. She will become Director of Small Business Programs for the Department of Defense.
More: Amy Murray leaving City Council for Dept. of Defense
Murray will stay on at City Hall through mid-March.
Statement on Betsy Sundermann: “For too many years, the city’s west side has not had a voice on City Council. With @ElectAmyMurray recommending Betsy Sunderman, Westsiders will have a person fighting for them once she’s appointed. This is great news for neighborhoods.”
— Alex Triantafilou (@ChairmanAlex) February 27, 2020