CINCINNATI – Mayor Aftab Pureval has a new item to add to his list of accomplishments during his first 100 days in office: A new son.
What You Need To Know
- Mayor Pureval plans to take two weeks off following the birth of his second son
- The first-term mayor used the announcement as a way to champion the city's six-week paid parental leave policy
- Vice Mayor Kearney will preside over the two City Council meetings while Pureval is away
- Pureval plans to reduce his public schedule for the 10 weeks after he returns to office
Pureval announced Thursday that his wife Whitney had given birth to their second son, Rami Whitis Karma Pureval.
“Our son Bodhi is excited to step into his role as big brother and we are grateful for the love and support we’ve received from so many Cincinnatians already,” an “overjoyed” Pureval said in a statement.
To support his wife and family, the first-term mayor plans to take two weeks of paternity leave. He plans to take advantage of the six weeks of paid leave the city of Cincinnati offers to new parents.
Pureval called paid leave “critical” for all families. He linked it to boosting employee morale, increasing gender equity and improving outcomes for children.
“Although I will only be clearing my calendar for two weeks, it is important to me to set an example for other expectant fathers and to support my family during this time,” he said.
Even though he won’t be there to celebrate, Pureval’s official 100th day in office is Friday. During that time, he has worked alongside City Council to usher in a series of aggressive policy movies, especially related to affordable housing and equity issues facing the city.
His team has also had an aggressive schedule, showing up in 22 neighborhoods, nine schools and “countless” community events in the past three-plus months. They’ve made a goal of “one to two” press conferences a week to better connect with residents.
He’s worked alongside Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney on many of those issues. She will preside over two City Council meetings.
Though not at City Hall, he said he plans to check in with his staff day-to-day. He’ll also be available for “emergency or other urgent needs.”
But when he’s back, don’t expect the same break-neck schedule, at least not immediately. He said he plans to have a “reduced public schedule” for the 10 weeks following his return to office.