Myers announces he’s a candidate for Columbus mayor

Mike Wolanin | The Republic Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers announces his candidacy for mayor of Columbus during a gathering in the event space at Zaharakos in Columbus, Ind., Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022.

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The current Bartholomew County sheriff is planning to run for mayor of Columbus.

Outgoing Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers, a Republican, announced his candidacy Wednesday evening at Zaharako’s, initially opening with a brief tribute to Tony Moravec and asking for a moment of silence to honor the businessman’s death.

“He is here tonight,” said Myers. “He’s here. You know why he’s here? Because he’s a man that believes in Columbus, Indiana, and he believes in people. And I do the same thing. And you all, that are here, are special, and you all feel the same way.”

Current Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop (R), who is coming to the end of his second term, announced earlier that Wednesday that he will not seek re-election.

Chief Deputy Sheriff Maj. Chris Lane (R), who ran unopposed in 2022 primary and midterm elections, will replace Myers as county sheriff in 2023. Term limits prevent Myers, who was initially elected to the role in 2014, from running for a third consecutive term.

In discussing his reasons for running for mayor, Myers mentioned his service with the sheriff’s department.

“We got so much accomplished over there that it energized me,” he told the Republic. “And I love people. I love Columbus. It’s my hometown. Like I said, I love serving people. And I’ll be honest, God told me this is my time to run. I think, right now, in the nation, I think a lot of people are uneasy and don’t necessarily feel safe. One of the main reasons I’m running and continuing my public service is because I want community members to feel safe.”

For more on this story, see Thursday Republic.