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{{short description|American politician}}
{{short description|American politician}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Teresa Tomlinson
| name = Teresa Tomlinson
|image = File:Teresa Tomlinson.jpg
| image = File:Teresa Tomlinson.jpg
|office = 69th [[List of mayors of Columbus, Georgia|Mayor of Columbus]]
| office = 69th [[List of mayors of Columbus, Georgia|Mayor of Columbus]]
|term_start = January 3, 2011
| term_start = January 3, 2011
|term_end = January 9, 2019
| term_end = January 9, 2019
|predecessor = [[Jim Wetherington]]
| predecessor = [[Jim Wetherington]]
|successor = Skip Henderson
| successor = Skip Henderson
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1965|2|19}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1965|2|19}}
|birth_place = [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| birth_place = [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|death_date =
| death_date =
|death_place =
| death_place =
|party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
|education = [[Sweet Briar College]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[Emory University]] ([[Juris Doctor|JD]])
| education = [[Sweet Briar College]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[Emory University]] ([[Juris Doctor|JD]])
|website = {{url|teresatomlinson.com|Campaign website}}
| website = {{url|teresatomlinson.com|Campaign website}}
}}
}}
'''Teresa Pike Tomlinson''' (born February 19, 1965) is an [[Americans|American]] politician and attorney who in 2010, was elected and served as the 69th [[List of mayors of Columbus, Georgia|Mayor]] of [[Columbus, Georgia]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.wtvm.com/global/story.asp?s=13591275|title=Columbus runoff results, Tomlinson wins mayor's race|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171555/http://www.wtvm.com/global/story.asp?s=13591275|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://times-herald.com/news/2016/10/columbus-mayor-offers-advice-to-women-seeking-success|title=Columbus mayor offers advice to women seeking success|work=The Newnan Times-Herald|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=November 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105121546/http://times-herald.com/news/2016/10/columbus-mayor-offers-advice-to-women-seeking-success|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 3, 2011, she was sworn in as the city's first female mayor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/military/article97853457.html|title=Mayor Tomlinson is guest speaker for Women's Equality Day|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171633/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/military/article97853457.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


On May 20, 2014, she was re-elected to a second term with 62% of the vote, making her the first Mayor since the city's consolidation in 1971 to win re-election in a contested race.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/election/article29330476.html|title=Tomlinson wins reelection with 62 percent of vote|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=January 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104072755/https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/election/article29330476.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Teresa Pike Tomlinson''' (born February 19, 1965) is an [[Americans|American]] politician and attorney. She is a member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]]. She was elected and served as the 69th [[List of mayors of Columbus, Georgia|Mayor]] of [[Columbus, Georgia]], in 2010.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.wtvm.com/global/story.asp?s=13591275|title=Columbus runoff results, Tomlinson wins mayor's race|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171555/http://www.wtvm.com/global/story.asp?s=13591275|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://times-herald.com/news/2016/10/columbus-mayor-offers-advice-to-women-seeking-success|title=Columbus mayor offers advice to women seeking success|work=The Newnan Times-Herald|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=November 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105121546/http://times-herald.com/news/2016/10/columbus-mayor-offers-advice-to-women-seeking-success|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 3, 2011, she was sworn in as the city's first female mayor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/military/article97853457.html|title=Mayor Tomlinson is guest speaker for Women's Equality Day|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171633/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/military/article97853457.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 20, 2014, she was re-elected to a second term with 62% of the vote, making her the first mayor since the city's consolidation in 1971 to win re-election in a contested race.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/election/article29330476.html|title=Tomlinson wins reelection with 62 percent of vote|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=January 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104072755/https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/election/article29330476.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==
Tomlinson is a 1983 graduate of [[Chamblee High School]] in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from [[Sweet Briar College]] in Virginia and a [[Juris Doctor]] from the [[Emory University School of Law]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wtvm.com/story/13602181/copy-copy-copy-roslyn-giles-template-do-not-edit-just-copy/|title=Mayor-Elect Teresa Tomlinson gets up close and personal|last=Giles|first=Roslyn|date=December 2, 2010|website=WTVM|language=en-US|access-date=August 14, 2019|archive-date=August 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814195744/https://www.wtvm.com/story/13602181/copy-copy-copy-roslyn-giles-template-do-not-edit-just-copy/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pmkm.com/attorney/wade-h-tomlinson/|title=Wade H. Tomlinson|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=May 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507060528/http://www.pmkm.com/attorney/wade-h-tomlinson/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pmkm.com/attorney/wade-h-tomlinson/|title=Wade H. Tomlinson {{!}} Pope Mcglamry|work=Pope Mcglamry|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=May 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507060528/http://www.pmkm.com/attorney/wade-h-tomlinson/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1983, Tomlinson graduated from [[Chamblee High School]]. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from [[Sweet Briar College]] in Virginia and a [[Juris Doctor]] from the [[Emory University School of Law]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wtvm.com/story/13602181/copy-copy-copy-roslyn-giles-template-do-not-edit-just-copy/|title=Mayor-Elect Teresa Tomlinson gets up close and personal|last=Giles|first=Roslyn|date=December 2, 2010|website=WTVM|language=en-US|access-date=August 14, 2019|archive-date=August 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814195744/https://www.wtvm.com/story/13602181/copy-copy-copy-roslyn-giles-template-do-not-edit-just-copy/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pmkm.com/attorney/wade-h-tomlinson/|title=Wade H. Tomlinson|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=May 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507060528/http://www.pmkm.com/attorney/wade-h-tomlinson/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pmkm.com/attorney/wade-h-tomlinson/|title=Wade H. Tomlinson {{!}} Pope Mcglamry|work=Pope Mcglamry|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=May 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507060528/http://www.pmkm.com/attorney/wade-h-tomlinson/|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==
⚫
For 16 years she practiced with the law firm of Pope, McGlamry, Kilpatrick, Morrison and Norwood, where she specialized in complex litigation and was the firm's first female partner.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dw8AAAAAMBAJ&q=Georgia%E2%80%99s+Rising+Stars+2005&pg=PA181|title=Atlanta Magazine|last=Communications|first=Emmis|date=May 10, 2017|publisher=Emmis Communications|language=en|access-date=December 19, 2020|archive-date=July 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717005024/https://books.google.com/books?id=dw8AAAAAMBAJ&q=Georgia%E2%80%99s+Rising+Stars+2005&pg=PA181|url-status=live}}</ref> She served as Executive Director of MidTown, Inc., a non-profit community renewal organization, from 2006 until 2010.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/wrongful/death/prweb532594.htm|title=Georgia Trial Attorney Named Executive Director of MidTown, Inc.|work=PRWeb|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414180133/http://www.prweb.com/releases/wrongful/death/prweb532594.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Legal and Philanthropic Work ===
⚫
During her tenure, Columbus, Georgia, was named one of both 2016 and 2017 top fifty Best-Run Cities in America.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article93502392.html|title=Columbus in top third of nation's 'best-run' cities, website reports|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904014345/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article93502392.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article160674514.html|title=Columbus makes top 50 "Best-Run Cities in America" list|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=February 19, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033505/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article160674514.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Her administration reduced crime by 39.3% from its height in 2009, including a 41.2% drop in property crime and a 15% drop in violent crime.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.wtvm.com/story/37526469/city-of-columbus-reports-crime-rate-at-lowest-level-in-30-years|title=City of Columbus reports crime rate at lowest level in 30+ years|last=Gunn|first=Olivia|access-date=February 19, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033425/http://www.wtvm.com/story/37526469/city-of-columbus-reports-crime-rate-at-lowest-level-in-30-years|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.columbusga.org/mayor/pdfs/2018_stateofthecity-print.pdf|title=2018 State Of The City Highlights|website=Columbus Consolidated Government|accessdate=February 19, 2018|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220092240/https://www.columbusga.org/mayor/pdfs/2018_stateofthecity-print.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Under her leadership, the Columbus Consolidated Government balanced the budget for the first time in 16 years using no reserve funds<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article146772069.html|title=Mayor Tomlinson recommends leaner budget for 2018; unveils major changes|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=April 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429234803/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article146772069.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.columbusga.org/pdfs/BudgetLetter-FY18.pdf|title=FY 18 Budget Letter|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=June 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606084911/http://columbusga.org/pdfs/BudgetLetter-FY18.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and provided city and county services at the prudent cost of $1,300 per person.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article93502392.html|title=Columbus in top third of nation's 'best-run' cities, website reports|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904014345/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article93502392.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomlinson instituted reform in the city's pension plan, saving taxpayers some $39 million and increasing funding of the General Government plan to over 90%, while preserving the valuable Defined Benefit Plan for Employees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.columbusga.org/pdfs/BudgetLetter-FY18.pdf|title=FY 18 Budget Letter|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=June 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606084911/http://columbusga.org/pdfs/BudgetLetter-FY18.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.columbusga.org/finance/Financial_Planning/FY17_Recommended_Budget.pdf|title=FY 18 Budget Letter|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904014342/http://www.columbusga.org/finance/Financial_Planning/FY17_Recommended_Budget.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article146772069.html|title=Mayor Tomlinson recommends leaner budget for 2018; unveils major changes|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=April 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429234803/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article146772069.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wrbl.com/2016/05/09/mayor-says-pension-reform-paying-off-how-changes-affect-city-workers/|title=Mayor says pension reform paying off, how changes affect city workers|last=wrbljoeyripley|date=May 9, 2016|website=WRBL|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904014205/http://wrbl.com/2016/05/09/mayor-says-pension-reform-paying-off-how-changes-affect-city-workers/|url-status=live}}</ref> Reform was also instituted at the Muscogee County Prison with the Rapid Resolution Initiative, which expedited the disposition of unindicted inmates at the Muscogee County Jail.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.wtvm.com/story/16982110/2012/02/21/council-votes-to-overturn-prison-lieutenants-rehire|title=Council votes to overturn prison lieutenant's rehire|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904011442/http://www.wtvm.com/story/16982110/2012/02/21/council-votes-to-overturn-prison-lieutenants-rehire|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article29443543.html|title=Plan aims at moving criminal cases, reducing jail population|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904062253/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article29443543.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/opinion/article45376908.html|title='Rapid Resolution' has paid rapid dividends for city|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904062016/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/opinion/article45376908.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tax Allocation Districts were adopted to encourage the revitalization of city districts, including City Village and the Liberty District.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/election/article29356948.html|title=TAD referendum breezes to victory|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904020402/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/election/article29356948.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article103524887.html|title=City proposing two new TADs for Midtown redevelopment|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=February 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201223402/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article103524887.html|url-status=live}}</ref> New biking/walking trails were constructed, known as the Dragonfly Trails, to create 60 miles of connected trails throughout the city, including trails and streetscapes in previously blighted areas.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article125630569.html|title=Richard Bishop hired to develop The Dragonfly trail system in Columbus|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=April 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427162735/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article125630569.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Over two miles of the Chattahoochee River were returned to its natural state, creating the world's longest Whitewater Course in an urban setting.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gpb.org/blogs/georgia-works/2013/06/03/u-s-largest-urban-whitewater-course-opens-in-columbus|title=U.S. Largest Urban Whitewater Course Opens in Columbus|date=June 3, 2013|work=Georgia Public Broadcasting|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904013926/http://www.gpb.org/blogs/georgia-works/2013/06/03/u-s-largest-urban-whitewater-course-opens-in-columbus|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomlinson has overseen the renaissance of the city's downtown creating a dining and entertainment district, known as Uptown.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.georgiatrend.com/June-2014/Columbus-Roaring-Ahead/|title=Columbus: Roaring Ahead - Georgia Trend|website=www.georgiatrend.com|date=May 30, 2014|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=July 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717185136/http://www.georgiatrend.com/June-2014/Columbus-Roaring-Ahead/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.georgiatrend.com/June-2007/Columbus-Gearing-Up/|title=Columbus: Gearing Up - Georgia Trend|website=www.georgiatrend.com|date=June 2007|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904011907/http://www.georgiatrend.com/June-2007/Columbus-Gearing-Up/|url-status=live}}</ref>
⚫
In 1991, Tomlinson began her career at the firm Pope, McGlamry, Kilpatrick, Morrison and Norwood as an attorney, and in 1998, she became a partner there.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dw8AAAAAMBAJ&q=Georgia%E2%80%99s+Rising+Stars+2005&pg=PA181|title=Atlanta Magazine|last=Communications|first=Emmis|date=May 10, 2017|publisher=Emmis Communications|language=en|access-date=December 19, 2020|archive-date=July 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717005024/https://books.google.com/books?id=dw8AAAAAMBAJ&q=Georgia%E2%80%99s+Rising+Stars+2005&pg=PA181|url-status=live}}</ref>


In May of 2015, Tomlinson gave the graduation speech at Sweet Briar College weeks after the college’s leadership had voted to close the college.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/teresapiketomlinsonsweetbriarcommencement.htm | title=Teresa Pike Tomlinson - Sweet Briar College Commencement Speech }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2015/05/16/a-commencement-speech-that-challenges-sweet-briars-leaders-to-reverse-course/ | title=A commencement speech that challenges Sweet Briar’s leaders to reverse course | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | date=2015-05-16 | first=Susan | last=Svrluga}}</ref> In June of 2015, she and others were appointed to the newly configured Sweet Briar Board of Trustees by a settlement agreement approved by the Bedford County, Virginia Circuit Court.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/agreement-reached-to-keep-sweet-briar-open-needs-court-approval/2015/06/20/6c9c43e4-179e-11e5-9ddc-e3353542100c_story.html | title=Agreement reached to keep Sweet Briar open; needs court approval | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | date=}}</ref> Tomlinson was elected Chair of the Board and served in that position until July 2018 helping to restructure the College.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nonprofitquarterly.org/sweet-briar-names-new-board-new-president-and-new-chair-teresa-tomlinson/ | title=Sweet Briar Names New Board, New President, and New Chair—Teresa Tomlinson | date=July 7, 2015 }}</ref>
In 2015, after the announcement of the potential closure of her undergraduate alma mater, [[Sweet Briar College]] in Virginia, Mayor Tomlinson joined with thousands of alumnae across the nation to raise $28.5 million in 110 days and convert over $12 million of that to cash in 70 days in order to fulfill the terms of a court approved settlement, which saved the college and kept the doors open, where it thrives today.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2016/03/03/alumnae-vowed-to-save-sweet-briar-from-closing-last-year-and-they-did/|title=Alumnae vowed to save Sweet Briar from closing last year. And they did.|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=September 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905050736/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2016/03/03/alumnae-vowed-to-save-sweet-briar-from-closing-last-year-and-they-did/|url-status=live}}</ref> She was a primary witness in the court case that was successful before the Virginia Supreme Court and was involved in discussions with the Virginia Attorney General's Office regarding the saving of the college.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.wtvm.com/story/28824073/mayor-tomlinson|title=Mayor Teresa Tomlinson testifies over Sweet Briar College closing|last=Team|first=WTVM Web|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905004424/http://www.wtvm.com/story/28824073/mayor-tomlinson|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 7, 2019, Tomlinson joined the law firm Hall Booth Smith, P.C., as a partner specializing in complex litigation, crisis management, and strategic solutions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson announces her plans when she leaves office |url=https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/article221547830.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107015742/https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/article221547830.html |archive-date=January 7, 2019 |access-date=January 6, 2019 |website=ledger-enquirer |language=en}}</ref> On February 8, 2024, Teresa Tomlinson was lead trial counsel for the Plaintiff Christina Necole Vazquez Klecha who received a jury award of $20.7 million for the wrongful death of her father, George ("Bick") Hale Bickerstaff, III.<ref> Federal Jury Awards Harris County Man's Daughter More Than $20 Million in Wrongful Death Lawsuit, ''WRBL'', Feb. 12, 2024, https://www.wrbl.com/news/federal-jury-awards-harris-county-mans-daughter-more-than-20-million-in-wrongful-death-lawsuit/; $20.7M Verdict Reached in Georgia Wrongful Death Case Argued as Self-Defense, ''The Daily Report'', Feb. 16, 2024, https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/2024/02/16/atlanta-attorney-leads-purported-self-defense-claim-to-20-7m-wrongful-death-verdict/; Atlanta Jury Delivers $20.7M Verdict in Wrongful Death ''LawsuitJurimatic (by Exlitem)'', Feb 19, 2024, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/atlanta-jury-delivers-207m-verdict-wrongful-death-lawsuit-xbhic. </ref> The case involved the shooting death of Mr. Bickerstaff immediately following a dispute regarding land use and sale. Mr. Bickerstaff was 60 years old at the time he was fatally shot. The case was tried in Columbus, Georgia, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. <ref>{{Cite web |title=VAZQUEZ-KLECHA v. BICKERSTAFF et al |url=https://dockets.justia.com/docket/georgia/gamdce/4:2020cv00227/117651 |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=Justia Dockets & Filings |language=en}}</ref>

=== Political career ===
⚫
During her tenure as mayor, Columbus, Georgia, was named one of the top fifty Best-Run Cities in America in both 2016 and 2017.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article93502392.html|title=Columbus in top third of nation's 'best-run' cities, website reports|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904014345/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article93502392.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article160674514.html|title=Columbus makes top 50 "Best-Run Cities in America" list|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=February 19, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033505/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article160674514.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Her administration reduced crime by 39.3% from its height in 2009, including a 41.2% drop in property crime and a 15% drop in violent crime.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.wtvm.com/story/37526469/city-of-columbus-reports-crime-rate-at-lowest-level-in-30-years|title=City of Columbus reports crime rate at lowest level in 30+ years|last=Gunn|first=Olivia|access-date=February 19, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033425/http://www.wtvm.com/story/37526469/city-of-columbus-reports-crime-rate-at-lowest-level-in-30-years|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.columbusga.org/mayor/pdfs/2018_stateofthecity-print.pdf|title=2018 State Of The City Highlights|website=Columbus Consolidated Government|accessdate=February 19, 2018|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220092240/https://www.columbusga.org/mayor/pdfs/2018_stateofthecity-print.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Under her leadership, the Columbus Consolidated Government balanced the budget for the first time in 16 years using no reserve funds<ref name="auto1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article146772069.html|title=Mayor Tomlinson recommends leaner budget for 2018; unveils major changes|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=April 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429234803/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article146772069.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.columbusga.org/pdfs/BudgetLetter-FY18.pdf|title=FY 18 Budget Letter|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=June 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606084911/http://columbusga.org/pdfs/BudgetLetter-FY18.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and provided city and county services at the cost of $1,300 per person.<ref name="auto"/> Tomlinson instituted reform in the city's pension plan, increasing funding of the General Government plan to over 90%, while preserving the Defined Benefit Plan for Employees.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.columbusga.org/finance/Financial_Planning/FY17_Recommended_Budget.pdf|title=FY 18 Budget Letter|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904014342/http://www.columbusga.org/finance/Financial_Planning/FY17_Recommended_Budget.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wrbl.com/2016/05/09/mayor-says-pension-reform-paying-off-how-changes-affect-city-workers/|title=Mayor says pension reform paying off, how changes affect city workers|last=wrbljoeyripley|date=May 9, 2016|website=WRBL|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904014205/http://wrbl.com/2016/05/09/mayor-says-pension-reform-paying-off-how-changes-affect-city-workers/|url-status=live}}</ref> She also instituted reform at the Muscogee County Prison with the Rapid Resolution Initiative, which expedited the disposition of unindicted inmates at the Muscogee County Jail.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.wtvm.com/story/16982110/2012/02/21/council-votes-to-overturn-prison-lieutenants-rehire|title=Council votes to overturn prison lieutenant's rehire|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904011442/http://www.wtvm.com/story/16982110/2012/02/21/council-votes-to-overturn-prison-lieutenants-rehire|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article29443543.html|title=Plan aims at moving criminal cases, reducing jail population|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904062253/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article29443543.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/opinion/article45376908.html|title='Rapid Resolution' has paid rapid dividends for city|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904062016/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/opinion/article45376908.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tax Allocation Districts were adopted to encourage the revitalization of city districts, including City Village and the Liberty District.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/election/article29356948.html|title=TAD referendum breezes to victory|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904020402/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/election/article29356948.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article103524887.html|title=City proposing two new TADs for Midtown redevelopment|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=February 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201223402/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article103524887.html|url-status=live}}</ref> New biking/walking trails were constructed, known as the Dragonfly Trails, to create 60 miles of connected trails throughout the city, including trails and streetscapes in previously blighted areas.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article125630569.html|title=Richard Bishop hired to develop The Dragonfly trail system in Columbus|work=ledger-enquirer|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=April 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427162735/http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article125630569.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Over two miles of the Chattahoochee River were returned to its natural state, creating the world's longest Whitewater Course in an urban setting.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gpb.org/blogs/georgia-works/2013/06/03/u-s-largest-urban-whitewater-course-opens-in-columbus|title=U.S. Largest Urban Whitewater Course Opens in Columbus|date=June 3, 2013|work=Georgia Public Broadcasting|access-date=May 10, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904013926/http://www.gpb.org/blogs/georgia-works/2013/06/03/u-s-largest-urban-whitewater-course-opens-in-columbus|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomlinson has overseen the renaissance of the city's downtown, creating a dining and entertainment district known as Uptown.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.georgiatrend.com/June-2014/Columbus-Roaring-Ahead/|title=Columbus: Roaring Ahead - Georgia Trend|website=www.georgiatrend.com|date=May 30, 2014|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=July 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717185136/http://www.georgiatrend.com/June-2014/Columbus-Roaring-Ahead/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.georgiatrend.com/June-2007/Columbus-Gearing-Up/|title=Columbus: Gearing Up - Georgia Trend|website=www.georgiatrend.com|date=June 2007|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904011907/http://www.georgiatrend.com/June-2007/Columbus-Gearing-Up/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Tomlinson has written opinion pieces for ''[[The Daily Beast]]'' and ''[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]].''<ref>{{Cite news|title=Opinion: Don't mistake racism for politics|language=en|work=myajc|url=http://www.myajc.com/news/opinion/opinion-don-mistake-racism-for-politics/6KO0A994abo0PNgwVeJlyH/|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033255/http://www.myajc.com/news/opinion/opinion-don-mistake-racism-for-politics/6KO0A994abo0PNgwVeJlyH/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=From the Atlanta Journal Constitution, 2017-08-12: Generals are playing vital civilian role now|url=http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODN/AtlantaJournalConstitution/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=AJC/2017/08/12&entity=Ar01203&sk=DD508A18|access-date=September 5, 2017|archive-date=September 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905092809/http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODN/AtlantaJournalConstitution/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=AJC%2F2017%2F08%2F12&entity=Ar01203&sk=DD508A18|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Why the Republican Brand Is So Strong Where I Live|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/why-the-republican-brand-is-so-strong-where-i-live|last=Tomlinson|first=Teresa|date=June 30, 2017|website=The Daily Beast|access-date=September 5, 2017|archive-date=September 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903153311/http://www.thedailybeast.com/why-the-republican-brand-is-so-strong-where-i-live|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=The Conservative Plan to Rewrite the Constitution, and Yes, It's a Thing|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/the-conservative-plan-to-rewrite-the-constitution-and-yes-its-a-thing|last=Tomlinson|first=Teresa|date=August 21, 2017|website=The Daily Beast|access-date=September 5, 2017|archive-date=August 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824084629/http://www.thedailybeast.com/the-conservative-plan-to-rewrite-the-constitution-and-yes-its-a-thing|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Tomlinson|first=Teresa|date=February 22, 2018|title=In Georgia, It's the NRA and the Legislators vs. the Police|language=en|work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/in-georgia-its-the-nra-and-the-legislators-vs-the-police|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-date=December 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207190844/https://www.thedailybeast.com/in-georgia-its-the-nra-and-the-legislators-vs-the-police|url-status=live}}</ref>
Tomlinson has written opinion pieces for ''[[The Daily Beast]]'' and ''[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]].''<ref>{{Cite news|title=Opinion: Don't mistake racism for politics|language=en|work=myajc|url=http://www.myajc.com/news/opinion/opinion-don-mistake-racism-for-politics/6KO0A994abo0PNgwVeJlyH/|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033255/http://www.myajc.com/news/opinion/opinion-don-mistake-racism-for-politics/6KO0A994abo0PNgwVeJlyH/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=From the Atlanta Journal Constitution, 2017-08-12: Generals are playing vital civilian role now|url=http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODN/AtlantaJournalConstitution/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=AJC/2017/08/12&entity=Ar01203&sk=DD508A18|access-date=September 5, 2017|archive-date=September 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905092809/http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODN/AtlantaJournalConstitution/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=AJC%2F2017%2F08%2F12&entity=Ar01203&sk=DD508A18|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Why the Republican Brand Is So Strong Where I Live|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/why-the-republican-brand-is-so-strong-where-i-live|last=Tomlinson|first=Teresa|date=June 30, 2017|website=The Daily Beast|access-date=September 5, 2017|archive-date=September 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903153311/http://www.thedailybeast.com/why-the-republican-brand-is-so-strong-where-i-live|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=The Conservative Plan to Rewrite the Constitution, and Yes, It's a Thing|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/the-conservative-plan-to-rewrite-the-constitution-and-yes-its-a-thing|last=Tomlinson|first=Teresa|date=August 21, 2017|website=The Daily Beast|access-date=September 5, 2017|archive-date=August 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824084629/http://www.thedailybeast.com/the-conservative-plan-to-rewrite-the-constitution-and-yes-its-a-thing|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Tomlinson|first=Teresa|date=February 22, 2018|title=In Georgia, It's the NRA and the Legislators vs. the Police|language=en|work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/in-georgia-its-the-nra-and-the-legislators-vs-the-police|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-date=December 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207190844/https://www.thedailybeast.com/in-georgia-its-the-nra-and-the-legislators-vs-the-police|url-status=live}}</ref>


Tomlinson completed her second term on January 6, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wtvm.com/story/38261838/mayor-elect-skip-henderson-looks-forward-to-being-full-time-mayor/|title=Mayor-elect Skip Henderson looks forward to being full-time mayor|access-date=December 5, 2018|archive-date=December 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205103250/http://www.wtvm.com/story/38261838/mayor-elect-skip-henderson-looks-forward-to-being-full-time-mayor/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=City leaders bid farewell to Mayor Tomlinson, Councilor Baker at last meeting of 2018|url=https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article222949275.html|website=ledger-enquirer|language=en|access-date=January 6, 2019|archive-date=January 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107015823/https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article222949275.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 7, 2019, Tomlinson joined the law firm Hall Booth Smith, P.C., as a partner specializing in complex litigation, crisis management and strategic solutions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson announces her plans when she leaves office|url=https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/article221547830.html|website=ledger-enquirer|language=en|access-date=January 6, 2019|archive-date=January 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107015742/https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/article221547830.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomlinson ran in the Democratic primary to challenge incumbent Senator [[David Perdue]] in the [[2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia|2020 election]] but lost to [[Jon Ossoff]] who would ultimately go on to win the runoff against Perdue.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wooten|first1=Nick|date=May 1, 2019|title=Former Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson formally announces 2020 U.S. Senate bid|newspaper=Ledger-Enquirer|url=https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/article229865689.html|accessdate=May 1, 2019|archive-date=January 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106102019/https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/article229865689.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=MayorTeresaTomlinson|title=Mayor Teresa Tomlinson's Sweet Briar College Commencement Speech 2015|date=May 16, 2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di8fzDzULxI&t=10s|accessdate=September 5, 2017|archive-date=July 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717005025/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di8fzDzULxI&t=10s|url-status=live}}</ref>
Tomlinson completed her second term on January 6, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wtvm.com/story/38261838/mayor-elect-skip-henderson-looks-forward-to-being-full-time-mayor/|title=Mayor-elect Skip Henderson looks forward to being full-time mayor|date=May 24, 2018 |access-date=December 5, 2018|archive-date=December 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205103250/http://www.wtvm.com/story/38261838/mayor-elect-skip-henderson-looks-forward-to-being-full-time-mayor/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=City leaders bid farewell to Mayor Tomlinson, Councilor Baker at last meeting of 2018|url=https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article222949275.html|website=ledger-enquirer|language=en|access-date=January 6, 2019|archive-date=January 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107015823/https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article222949275.html|url-status=live}}</ref> She ran in the Democratic primary to challenge incumbent Senator [[David Perdue]] in the [[2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia|2020 election]] but lost to [[Jon Ossoff]], who later won the runoff election against Perdue.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wooten|first1=Nick|date=May 1, 2019|title=Former Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson formally announces 2020 U.S. Senate bid|newspaper=Ledger-Enquirer|url=https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/article229865689.html|accessdate=May 1, 2019|archive-date=January 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106102019/https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/politics-government/article229865689.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=MayorTeresaTomlinson|title=Mayor Teresa Tomlinson's Sweet Briar College Commencement Speech 2015|date=May 16, 2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di8fzDzULxI&t=10s|accessdate=September 5, 2017|archive-date=July 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717005025/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di8fzDzULxI&t=10s|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
She moved to Columbus in 1994 from Atlanta and married Wade "Trip" Tomlinson, who was raised in Columbus.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Mayor-Elect Teresa Tomlinson gets up close and personal|language=en|url=http://www.wtvm.com/story/13602181/copy-copy-copy-roslyn-giles-template-do-not-edit-just-copy|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=October 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003100759/http://www.wtvm.com/story/13602181/copy-copy-copy-roslyn-giles-template-do-not-edit-just-copy|url-status=live}}</ref>
Tomlinson moved to Columbus in 1994 from Atlanta and married Wade "Trip" Tomlinson, who was raised in Columbus.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Mayor-Elect Teresa Tomlinson gets up close and personal|language=en|url=http://www.wtvm.com/story/13602181/copy-copy-copy-roslyn-giles-template-do-not-edit-just-copy|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=October 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003100759/http://www.wtvm.com/story/13602181/copy-copy-copy-roslyn-giles-template-do-not-edit-just-copy|url-status=live}}</ref> Since leaving office, she has been a Partner at the law firm of Hall Booth Smith, PC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Teresa Pike Tomlinson {{!}} Partner {{!}} Columbus Attorney |date=June 10, 2020 |url=https://hallboothsmith.com/attorney/teresa-pike-tomlinson/,%20https://hallboothsmith.com/attorney/teresa-pike-tomlinson/ |access-date=2024-05-22 |language=en-US}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{Official website}}
*{{Official website}}
*http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/article149681354.html
*https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/teresapiketomlinsonsweetbriarcommencement.htm
*http://www.msnbc.com/am-joy/watch/push-to-amend-constitution-and-give-more-power-to-states-1065626179549

{{s-start}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Jim Wetherington]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of mayors of Columbus, Georgia|Mayor of Columbus]]|years=2011–2019}}
{{s-aft|after=Skip Henderson}}
{{S-end}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Tomlinson, Teresa}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tomlinson, Teresa}}
[[Category:1965 births]]
[[Category:1965 births]]
[[Category:21st-century American women politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century American women politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century mayors of places in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Emory University alumni]]
[[Category:Emory University alumni]]
[[Category:Georgia (U.S. state) Democrats]]
[[Category:Georgia (U.S. state) Democrats]]
[[Category:Georgia (U.S. state) lawyers]]
[[Category:Lawyers from Atlanta]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Mayors of Columbus, Georgia]]
[[Category:Mayors of Columbus, Georgia]]
[[Category:Politicians from Atlanta]]
[[Category:Politicians from Atlanta]]
[[Category:Women mayors of places in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Women mayors of places in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:21st-century American politicians]]
[[Category:Candidates in the 2020 United States Senate elections]]
[[Category:Candidates in the 2020 United States Senate elections]]

Latest revision as of 11:14, 3 November 2024

Teresa Tomlinson
69th Mayor of Columbus
In office
January 3, 2011 – January 9, 2019
Preceded byJim Wetherington
Succeeded bySkip Henderson
Personal details
Born (1965-02-19) February 19, 1965 (age 59)
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationSweet Briar College (BA)
Emory University (JD)
WebsiteCampaign website

Teresa Pike Tomlinson (born February 19, 1965) is an American politician and attorney. She is a member of the Democratic Party. She was elected and served as the 69th Mayor of Columbus, Georgia, in 2010.[1][2] On January 3, 2011, she was sworn in as the city's first female mayor.[3]

On May 20, 2014, she was re-elected to a second term with 62% of the vote, making her the first mayor since the city's consolidation in 1971 to win re-election in a contested race.[4]

Early life and education

[edit]

In 1983, Tomlinson graduated from Chamblee High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sweet Briar College in Virginia and a Juris Doctor from the Emory University School of Law.[5][6][7]

Career

[edit]
[edit]

In 1991, Tomlinson began her career at the firm Pope, McGlamry, Kilpatrick, Morrison and Norwood as an attorney, and in 1998, she became a partner there.[8]

In May of 2015, Tomlinson gave the graduation speech at Sweet Briar College weeks after the college’s leadership had voted to close the college.[9][10] In June of 2015, she and others were appointed to the newly configured Sweet Briar Board of Trustees by a settlement agreement approved by the Bedford County, Virginia Circuit Court.[11] Tomlinson was elected Chair of the Board and served in that position until July 2018 helping to restructure the College.[12]

On January 7, 2019, Tomlinson joined the law firm Hall Booth Smith, P.C., as a partner specializing in complex litigation, crisis management, and strategic solutions.[13] On February 8, 2024, Teresa Tomlinson was lead trial counsel for the Plaintiff Christina Necole Vazquez Klecha who received a jury award of $20.7 million for the wrongful death of her father, George ("Bick") Hale Bickerstaff, III.[14] The case involved the shooting death of Mr. Bickerstaff immediately following a dispute regarding land use and sale. Mr. Bickerstaff was 60 years old at the time he was fatally shot. The case was tried in Columbus, Georgia, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. [15]

Political career

[edit]

During her tenure as mayor, Columbus, Georgia, was named one of the top fifty Best-Run Cities in America in both 2016 and 2017.[16][17] Her administration reduced crime by 39.3% from its height in 2009, including a 41.2% drop in property crime and a 15% drop in violent crime.[18][19] Under her leadership, the Columbus Consolidated Government balanced the budget for the first time in 16 years using no reserve funds[20][21] and provided city and county services at the cost of $1,300 per person.[16] Tomlinson instituted reform in the city's pension plan, increasing funding of the General Government plan to over 90%, while preserving the Defined Benefit Plan for Employees.[21][22][20][23] She also instituted reform at the Muscogee County Prison with the Rapid Resolution Initiative, which expedited the disposition of unindicted inmates at the Muscogee County Jail.[24][25][26] Tax Allocation Districts were adopted to encourage the revitalization of city districts, including City Village and the Liberty District.[27][28] New biking/walking trails were constructed, known as the Dragonfly Trails, to create 60 miles of connected trails throughout the city, including trails and streetscapes in previously blighted areas.[29] Over two miles of the Chattahoochee River were returned to its natural state, creating the world's longest Whitewater Course in an urban setting.[30] Tomlinson has overseen the renaissance of the city's downtown, creating a dining and entertainment district known as Uptown.[31][32]

Tomlinson has written opinion pieces for The Daily Beast and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.[33][34][35][36][37]

Tomlinson completed her second term on January 6, 2019.[38][39] She ran in the Democratic primary to challenge incumbent Senator David Perdue in the 2020 election but lost to Jon Ossoff, who later won the runoff election against Perdue.[40][41]

Personal life

[edit]

Tomlinson moved to Columbus in 1994 from Atlanta and married Wade "Trip" Tomlinson, who was raised in Columbus.[42] Since leaving office, she has been a Partner at the law firm of Hall Booth Smith, PC.[43]

References

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  1. ^ "Columbus runoff results, Tomlinson wins mayor's race". Archived from the original on December 28, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  2. ^ "Columbus mayor offers advice to women seeking success". The Newnan Times-Herald. Archived from the original on November 5, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  3. ^ "Mayor Tomlinson is guest speaker for Women's Equality Day". ledger-enquirer. Archived from the original on December 28, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  4. ^ "Tomlinson wins reelection with 62 percent of vote". ledger-enquirer. Archived from the original on January 4, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  5. ^ Giles, Roslyn (December 2, 2010). "Mayor-Elect Teresa Tomlinson gets up close and personal". WTVM. Archived from the original on August 14, 2019. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  6. ^ "Wade H. Tomlinson". Archived from the original on May 7, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  7. ^ "Wade H. Tomlinson | Pope Mcglamry". Pope Mcglamry. Archived from the original on May 7, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  8. ^ Communications, Emmis (May 10, 2017). Atlanta Magazine. Emmis Communications. Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  9. ^ "Teresa Pike Tomlinson - Sweet Briar College Commencement Speech".
  10. ^ Svrluga, Susan (May 16, 2015). "A commencement speech that challenges Sweet Briar's leaders to reverse course". The Washington Post.
  11. ^ "Agreement reached to keep Sweet Briar open; needs court approval". The Washington Post.
  12. ^ "Sweet Briar Names New Board, New President, and New Chair—Teresa Tomlinson". July 7, 2015.
  13. ^ "Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson announces her plans when she leaves office". ledger-enquirer. Archived from the original on January 7, 2019. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  14. ^ Federal Jury Awards Harris County Man's Daughter More Than $20 Million in Wrongful Death Lawsuit, WRBL, Feb. 12, 2024, https://www.wrbl.com/news/federal-jury-awards-harris-county-mans-daughter-more-than-20-million-in-wrongful-death-lawsuit/; $20.7M Verdict Reached in Georgia Wrongful Death Case Argued as Self-Defense, The Daily Report, Feb. 16, 2024, https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/2024/02/16/atlanta-attorney-leads-purported-self-defense-claim-to-20-7m-wrongful-death-verdict/; Atlanta Jury Delivers $20.7M Verdict in Wrongful Death LawsuitJurimatic (by Exlitem), Feb 19, 2024, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/atlanta-jury-delivers-207m-verdict-wrongful-death-lawsuit-xbhic.
  15. ^ "VAZQUEZ-KLECHA v. BICKERSTAFF et al". Justia Dockets & Filings. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  16. ^ a b "Columbus in top third of nation's 'best-run' cities, website reports". ledger-enquirer. Archived from the original on September 4, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  17. ^ "Columbus makes top 50 "Best-Run Cities in America" list". ledger-enquirer. Archived from the original on February 20, 2018. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  18. ^ Gunn, Olivia. "City of Columbus reports crime rate at lowest level in 30+ years". Archived from the original on February 20, 2018. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  19. ^ "2018 State Of The City Highlights" (PDF). Columbus Consolidated Government. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 20, 2018. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  20. ^ a b "Mayor Tomlinson recommends leaner budget for 2018; unveils major changes". ledger-enquirer. Archived from the original on April 29, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  21. ^ a b "FY 18 Budget Letter" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on June 6, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  22. ^ "FY 18 Budget Letter" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on September 4, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  23. ^ wrbljoeyripley (May 9, 2016). "Mayor says pension reform paying off, how changes affect city workers". WRBL. Archived from the original on September 4, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  24. ^ "Council votes to overturn prison lieutenant's rehire". Archived from the original on September 4, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  25. ^ "Plan aims at moving criminal cases, reducing jail population". ledger-enquirer. Archived from the original on September 4, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  26. ^ "'Rapid Resolution' has paid rapid dividends for city". ledger-enquirer. Archived from the original on September 4, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  27. ^ "TAD referendum breezes to victory". ledger-enquirer. Archived from the original on September 4, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  28. ^ "City proposing two new TADs for Midtown redevelopment". ledger-enquirer. Archived from the original on February 1, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  29. ^ "Richard Bishop hired to develop The Dragonfly trail system in Columbus". ledger-enquirer. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  30. ^ "U.S. Largest Urban Whitewater Course Opens in Columbus". Georgia Public Broadcasting. June 3, 2013. Archived from the original on September 4, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  31. ^ "Columbus: Roaring Ahead - Georgia Trend". www.georgiatrend.com. May 30, 2014. Archived from the original on July 17, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  32. ^ "Columbus: Gearing Up - Georgia Trend". www.georgiatrend.com. June 2007. Archived from the original on September 4, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  33. ^ "Opinion: Don't mistake racism for politics". myajc. Archived from the original on February 20, 2018. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  34. ^ "From the Atlanta Journal Constitution, 2017-08-12: Generals are playing vital civilian role now". Archived from the original on September 5, 2017. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  35. ^ Tomlinson, Teresa (June 30, 2017). "Why the Republican Brand Is So Strong Where I Live". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on September 3, 2017. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  36. ^ Tomlinson, Teresa (August 21, 2017). "The Conservative Plan to Rewrite the Constitution, and Yes, It's a Thing". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on August 24, 2017. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  37. ^ Tomlinson, Teresa (February 22, 2018). "In Georgia, It's the NRA and the Legislators vs. the Police". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on December 7, 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  38. ^ "Mayor-elect Skip Henderson looks forward to being full-time mayor". May 24, 2018. Archived from the original on December 5, 2018. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
  39. ^ "City leaders bid farewell to Mayor Tomlinson, Councilor Baker at last meeting of 2018". ledger-enquirer. Archived from the original on January 7, 2019. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
  40. ^ Wooten, Nick (May 1, 2019). "Former Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson formally announces 2020 U.S. Senate bid". Ledger-Enquirer. Archived from the original on January 6, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  41. ^ MayorTeresaTomlinson (May 16, 2015), Mayor Teresa Tomlinson's Sweet Briar College Commencement Speech 2015, archived from the original on July 17, 2022, retrieved September 5, 2017
  42. ^ "Mayor-Elect Teresa Tomlinson gets up close and personal". Archived from the original on October 3, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  43. ^ "Teresa Pike Tomlinson | Partner | Columbus Attorney". June 10, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
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