Ferdon announces mayoral run

Mike Wolanin | The Republic Mary Ferdon, right, hugs Julie Phillips before announcing her candidacy for mayor of Columbus at Yes Cinema in Columbus, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022.

Republican Mary Ferdon, Columbus’ director of administration and community development, has announced that she plans to run for mayor of Columbus. She announced 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 Republican candidate to announce her candidacy, Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers made his declaration on Wednesday. Incumbent Republican Mayor Jim Lienhoop 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 Saturday at her candidacy announcement.

In discussing her reasons for running, Ferdon said 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 ongoing 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.”

Ferdon worked as community development director for former Republican mayor Kristen Brown for about nine months in 2012 and later served as the executive director for the Volunteers in Medicine clinic. In December of 2015, Lienhoop announced that Ferdon would serve as his executive director of administration and community development, two roles which had previously been separate.

She said that her career has also included work at the Heritage Fund – the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County, teaching at IUPUC and many years in local government finance.

Ferdon has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in urban administration.