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Former Columbus Mayor Dana "Buck" Rinehart Dead At 68

www.rrgovlaw.com

Former Columbus Mayor Dana "Buck" Rinehart died this morning at the age of 68.  He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013.

Rinehart began his political career as Franklin county treasurer in 1976, and ran an unsuccessful campaign for governor in 1982 before winning a close mayoral election in 1983, to replace the outgoing Republican Tom Moody.  

The brash, outspoken Rinehart presided over a period of growth and transformation in Columbus;  during his two terms as mayor City Center Mall was planned and built, I-670 linked downtown to Port Columbus, revitalization efforts began in the Short North and Brewery District, the city built the $28 million dollar Public Safety building downtown, and the Franklin County Solid Waste Authority was created.

Rinehart may be best known for one of his more glaring mistakes, however; when he gleefully took a wrecking ball to the facade of the historic Ohio Penitentiary in what is now the Arena District - only to discover the city didn't have a permit for demolition. He also spearheaded two events that most people at the time thought were boondoggles - the Son of Heaven chinese art exhibit at the old Central High School Building downtown, and the Ameriflora flower show at Franklin Park.

Rinehart's political career ended after the 1990 revelation of his affair with Brenda Dodrill, whom he had appointed Columbus' human services director.  He ended his term in 1991, and he returned to his private law practice.

Rinehart died at home, surrounded by family, according to his law partner.  No word yet on funeral arrangements.

A native of Chicago, naturalized citizen of Cincinnati and resident of Columbus, Alison attended Earlham College and the Ohio State University. She has equal passion for Midwest history, hockey and Slavic poetry.
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