The two candidates seeking the GOP nomination for Columbus mayor have heard the criticism that while Columbus is improving in its welcoming attitude, the city still isn’t inclusive enough.
Republican challenger Glenn Petri echoed that criticism of the city.
During a panel discussion about diversity in March, Hanna Omar, a member of the Columbus Board of Zoning Appeals, said that the same people — often white, male Christians — are typically the ones asked to make decisions for the community, he said.
Omar, who was unsuccessful in a Bartholomew County council seat bid last year, was appointed by Lienhoop to serve on the city’s zoning board.
“She’s right. It’s the same people time after time who serve on boards and committees. We need to open it up to everybody,” Petri said.
Petri described himself as an “outsider,” and not part of a “good old boys” club.
“Right now, Columbus is the most culturally diverse city in the state of Indiana, mainly due to Cummins and the people they are bringing in. And yet, a lot of these people feel they are on the outside because they never get asked to serve on any board or committee. I will open that up to everybody,” Petri said.
Lienhoop said that he believes city government has been making strides in diversity and inclusivity.
“We want the city government to be reflective of the diversity we have in the community, and we have appointed what I think it a significant number of young people to boards and commissions. I think you look at the redevelopment commission and the parks board, you’ll see younger faces and females, that you might not have seen in the past,” Lienhoop said.
