Three candidates are moving on to the general election without opposition in the May 5 primary.
Incumbent Republican councilman Dascal Bunch will face Democratic challenger Christopher Rutan in the fall election for the District 1 seat.
Incumbent Columbus Clerk-Treasurer Luann Welmer is unopposed for the Republican nomination and so far is unopposed in the fall election for clerk-treasurer.
Name: Dascal Bunch
Party: Republican
Age: 60
Address: 221 S. Brooks St.
Occupation: Retired
Education: Some college
Previous elected offices held (and when): City Council, District 1, current.
Previous elected offices sought (and when): City Council, District 1, 2011.
Community involvement: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; St. Peter’s Worship Ministry; Angels of Love; St. Peter’s Care Ministry; Columbus Housing Authority; CASA volunteer; State Street Association member
Immediate family: Daughter, Kylee Jones and husband Chris; son, Jordan Bunch and wife Alexa Bunch.
Name: Christopher Rutan
Party: Democrat
Age: 37
Address: 1126 Ninth St.
Occupation: Property manager/owner, CST Properties
Education: GED
Previous elected offices held (and when): None
Previous elected offices sought (and when): Columbus Township Advisory Board, 2010; City Council, District 1, 2011; Columbus Township Trustee, 2014.
Community involvement: Ninth Street Neighborhood Watch leader; Ninth Street Park Community Festival organizer
Immediate family: Stepson, Dallas Stout.
Name: Luann Welmer
Party: Republican
Age: 55
Address: 1301 Audubon Drive
Occupation: City clerk-treasurer
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Purdue University
Previous elected offices held (and when): City clerk-treasurer, current.
Previous elected offices sought (and when): City clerk-treasurer, 2011.
Community involvement: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; Columbus Rotary Club; Republican Central Committee, treasurer; Republican Ladies League.
Immediate family: Husband, David; daughter, Lydia; son, Elliott.
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The Republic is publishing daily primary election previews through Sunday. Coming Tuesday: Learn about Columbus City Council District 2 candidates.
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