Ferdon announces she’s a candidate for Columbus mayor

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Republican Mary Ferdon, Columbus’ director of administration and community development, has announced that she plans to run for mayor of Columbus. She declared the news Saturday morning at YES Cinema, as snow flurries came down thick and fast outside.

“I did check with the Farmer’s Almanac this morning, and it indicated that the first snow of the year comes on the day that you announce your candidacy for public office,” joked Brad Davis, who is the treasurer for Ferdon’s campaign. “It’s all good luck.”

Ferdon is the second candidate to announce her candidacy; Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers, a fellow Republican, made his declaration on Wednesday. Incumbent Mayor Jim Lienhoop (R) has said that he will not seek a third term and has voiced his support for Ferdon, who previously served as his campaign chair.

“There is no one more qualified to be the next mayor,” Lienhoop said at her candidacy announcement.

In discussing her reasons for running, Ferdon told the Republic that Lienhoop had encouraged her to do so and that based on the achievements of their partnership — and her love for the city — she decided that she “this is something that I felt that I could do and I wanted to do.”

“We began our work together eight and a half years ago when his campaign was the start of a mission: ‘tomorrow, together,’” said Ferdon during her official announcement. “And the goal was to bring collaboration and stability back to city government. That campaign grew into a wonderful partnership that continues today. I’ve had the privilege to work not only for him, but with him. His intelligence, work ethic, care for employees and citizens, and thoughtful problem-solving skills to work well with everyone who works with him. However, I understand why he’s ready to move on: he’s now old enough to run for president.”

Ferdon said that her priorities include attracting and retaining public safety employees, continuing intelligence-led policing efforts, attracting businesses through continued partnership with the Greater Columbus Economic Development Corp. and incentives, environmental sustainability, providing amenities that attract remote workers, increasing the city’s housing supply, continued work with the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress, and responding to the mental health crisis.

She also touched on the city’s achievements under the current administration and emphasized the importance of collaboration.

“That is one reason I’m taking this step forward,” she said. “But there’s another reason that compels me to run, and that is building Columbus for future generations. When one is truly called to service, it is not them but about what they can do for others. And for a community like Columbus to continue to grow, thrive and be welcoming and diverse, it’s making sure that we invest in the future generations who will lead this city.”

For more on this story, see Sunday’s Republic.