DeWine, Wilkin, Triantafilou issue statements on death of former Ohio House Speaker Jo Ann Davidson
Former Ohio Speaker of the House Jo Ann Davidson passed away Friday, Oct. 25.
She was 97.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued the following statement:
“Fran and I are saddened to learn of the death of our dear friend Jo Ann Davidson. Jo Ann dedicated her life to public service and the people of Ohio, a model public servant who was full of wit, intelligence, class and skill. She was a trailblazer in the truest sense, beginning her career on Reynoldsburg’s city council in the 1960s and making history in 1995 as Ohio’s first female speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.
“Over the decades, Jo Ann was committed to making a difference in people’s lives and was especially passionate about inspiring other women to do the same. Through her Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Institute, she personally guided nearly 500 of Ohio’s up-and-coming Republican women on core leadership skills, giving many the confidence to run for and succeed in public office.
“Although we mourn Jo Ann’s death, Fran and I take comfort in knowing that she will live on through those she mentored, and her legacy will be remembered by everyone who passes by her portrait on the wall of the House Chamber at the Ohio Statehouse. We extend our sincere condolences to her family.”
In honor of Davidson’s life and service, DeWine has additionally ordered that the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio to be lowered upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the state of Ohio until sunset on the day of her funeral.
State Senator Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) released the following statement:
“Speaker Davidson lived a life of dedicated service that benefited every Ohioan and made our state stronger. She was a fantastic mentor to women and to all the legislators who followed in her footsteps.
“We should all aim to be the type of sensible, sincere and supportive leader Speaker Davidson was. She will be so missed.”
Additionally, the Ohio Republican Party said in a press release they join Ohioans across the state in mourning the passing of Speaker Davidson, a trailblazing leader whose contributions to Ohio and the Republican Party have left an indelible mark on the state and the nation.
“Speaker Jo Ann Davidson was a giant in Ohio,” said Alex Triantafilou, Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party. “Her impact on Ohio and on the Republican Party cannot be overstated. Her legendary career paved the way for women to lead in every corridor of power in America. Personally, I called upon the Speaker many times for sound advice and counsel. She will be greatly missed.”
Triantafilou added, “We join with every Ohioan in mourning her passing.”
The Ohio Republican Party extends its deepest condolences to the Davidson family and to all those who had the honor of working alongside Speaker Davidson. Her legacy of leadership, dedication and integrity will continue to inspire Ohioans for generations to come.
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