Incumbent 2nd District Columbus City Councilman Ryan Brand is being challenged by Robert Sullivan for the Republican nomination for the council seat in the May 5 primary. Sullivan serves on the Columbus Board of Works and Safety, appointed in 2013.
The candidate who wins the Republican primary will face Democratic newcomer Elaine Hou Wagner in the fall election.
Name: Ryan Brand
Party: Republican
Age: 41
Address: 422 Ninth St.
Occupation: Business development manager, Elwood Tradesmen
Education: Some college, Ball State University
Previous elected offices held (and when): City Council, 2nd District, current
Previous elected offices sought (and when): City Council, 2nd District, 2011
Community involvement: Columbus Area Arts Council, member and past president; Columbus Park Board, past president; Commons Board; Plan Commission; Columbus Area Metropolitan Planning Organization; Arts District Coalition; Columbus Young Professionals; St. Peters Lutheran Church.
Immediate family: Wife, Tricia Brand; daughters, Ellie, Amelia and Harper.
Name: Robert (Bob) Sullivan
Party: Republican
Age: 34
Address: 1484 Thresher Drive
Occupation: Instrumentation technical support specialist, Cummins Inc. Advanced Engineering
Education: Studying mechanical engineering technology in pursuit of bachelor’s degree at Purdue College of Technology, Columbus; electronic systems technology coursework, Community College of the Air Force, 1999-2000; Jennings County High School, 1999
Previous elected offices held (and when): None
Previous elected offices sought (and when): Columbus City Council, at large, 2011; Bartholomew County Council, District 2, 2010
Community involvement: Columbus Board of Works and Safety, 2013-present; Bartholomew County Common Construction Wage Committee, 2013-present; Columbus Parks and Recreation, soccer coach; attend services at The Ridge.
Immediate family: Wife, Jessica; sons, Ryley and Jacob
Name: Elaine Hou Wagner
Party: Democratic
Age: 28
Address: 4265 Sharp Lane
Occupation: Marketing, Cummins, Inc.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington
Previous elected offices held (and when): None
Previous elected offices sought (and when): None
Community involvement: Columbus Chinese Association, president, 2010-2012; United Way, Volunteer; United Way Community Impact Review Teams; Foundation For Youth, board member; Dance Marathon; Carnivale; Mill Race Marathon
Immediate family: Husband, Christian Wagner; brother, Ethan Hou.
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The Republic is publishing daily primary election previews through Sunday. Coming Wednesday: Learn about Columbus City Council District 3 candidates.
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