Mayor proclaims Jo Ann Davidson Day

FINDLAY — The University of Findlay hosted an evening of remembrance and celebration to honor the legacy of Speaker Jo Ann Davidson, the first female speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives who recently died. At the Wednesday celebration, Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn issued a proclamation naming Jan. 15, 2025, as Jo Ann Davidson Day in the city. The proclamation reads: "Ms. Davidson was a servant leader. She has been described as respectful and a woman of integrity. A great deal of her life work was in encouraging and empowering women to serve in different positions. She led by example and was a very kind woman; and Ms. Davidson was one of the most effective lawmakers and leaders to ever serve in Ohio history. It was her consensus-building style and grit. Her grit and determination benefited many. She was a very good listener and appreciated when there were others in the room who had differing viewpoints; and Jo Ann Davidson was the type of leader that we all aspire to be in seeking positions of public trust." Davidson was a graduate of Findlay High School. She began her political career in 1967 on Reynoldsburg City Council. She was later elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1980, representing the 24th District in the eastern portion of Franklin County. She was elected speaker when the Republicans gained the majority in the House in 1995, serving in that role through 2000. Davidson was the first and has been the only woman to be Ohio House Speaker. The Ohio Legislature designated Sept. 28, 2024, as "Speaker Jo Ann Davidson Day."