Balser Appointed Council President After Recall Battle | Columbus News

Columbus News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 3, 2026 · 1m

Patricia Balser, the fiery political figure who narrowly lost a recall bid against three city leaders earlier this year, has just been elected Whitehall City Council president in a tense, four-to-three vote — and she’s already sworn in. Despite past clashes with fellow councilmembers Lori Elmore and Amy Harcar, who voted against her, Balser now holds the second-highest office in town, ready to run meetings and break ties. Mayor Michael Bivens, one of her former targets, says he’s ready to move past the drama and work together for the community. Balser vows to support good ideas — even from…