Ohio native at ATF’S helm would fight crime
Andrew J. Ginther is the mayor of the city of Columbus.
Last month, President Joe Biden nominated Steven Dettelbach to serve as the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This crucial federal law enforcement agency is housed within the U.S. Department of Justice alongside other vital crime-fighting agencies like the FBI — all of whom are critical partners in local efforts to reduce gun violence and promote neighborhood safety.
Despite the obvious importance of these entities, the ATF has been without a Senate-confirmed director since 2015.
This at a time when cities across the country, including Columbus, have experienced record homicide numbers.
It is well past time for the U.S. Senate
to put partisanship aside and confirm a qualified leader for the bureau, and Dettelbach is the right pick for the job.
The Cleveland native possesses a wealth of experience, having served the Department of Justice for over two decades as a federal prosecutor.
He also has a clear track record of bipartisan leadership, working with both Republican and Democratic administrations to address crime and violence in American cities.
And he properly understands the value of partnerships that are nimble and unique, rejecting one-size-fits-all philosophies in favor of strategies that take into account each community’s challenges, opportunities and resources.
As far as his qualifications are concerned, you don’t need to take my word for it.
Simply look to the U.S. Senate which, in 2009, unanimously confirmed his appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio — a position he served with distinction until 2016.
You might be asking yourself why or how all of this applies to daily life in Columbus, but I assure you the implications of this nomination are profoundly relevant.
We are working diligently to deploy as many tools and resources as possible to crack down on violent crime.
In some cases, we are utilizing what exists and what we know works while, in others, we are testing new ideas and programs that have had success in other cities, seeking to replicate a similar impact.
We are collaborating with partners throughout the community and at every level of government to achieve the very best results. But without a Senate-confirmed leader at the ATF, we must work even harder to protect our residents and implement new solutions.
With Dettelbach at the helm, I am certain the bureau will only grow in stature and influence, and we will see the benefits right here in Columbus.
I urge the U.S. Senate to proceed with a swift and fair confirmation process and to finally empower the ATF to reach its full potential.