Mike Wolanin | The Republic Former state representative Milo Smith, right, files to run for mayor of Columbus as his wife Diane and Jorge Morales look on in the Bartholomew County Clerk’s Office at the Bartholomew County Courthouse in Columbus, Ind., Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.
A third candidate is entering the race for the GOP nomination for Columbus mayor.
Former Republican state representative Milo Smith filed his declaration of candidacy Wednesday morning.
“I really enjoyed helping people when I was a member of the General Assembly for 12 years,” he said. “And I really miss it, so I decided to run for mayor so I could help all the residents of Bartholomew — of Columbus, Indiana.”
Former Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers and Columbus Director of Administration and Community Development Mary Ferdon have also filed to run for the Republican nomination for mayor. Both had earlier campaign announcements prior to the first day of filing for the May 2 primary on Wednesday.
Incumbent Republican Mayor Jim Lienhoop has said he will not seek a third term. He attended Ferdon’s campaign announcement, showing his support for her candidacy.
Since retiring from the state legislature in 2018, Smith has continued running his small business, Tax Consultants, Inc., and stayed active in his church. Smith cited his experience representing Indiana small business owners at two White House conferences and communicating with his constituents as state representative.
“If you compare my record of service as your state representative to the other declared candidates for mayor…the differences are obvious, and that is why I am running to be your next mayor,” he said.
Smith wrote that his priorities include communicating with residents, government accountability, safety, “spending your tax dollars wisely,” supporting business, “the sanctity of life” and freedom of religion.
This year’s spring ballot will be a city primary, with mayoral and council races on the ballot.
In regards to Columbus City Council races, Republican Christopher Rutan has filed to run for at-large council seat, and Republican incumbent Frank Miller, who represents District 4, has filed for re-election in his district.
Councilwoman Grace Kestler (D-at large) announced Monday that she will seek re-election. Republican Josh Burnett also plans to run for council at-large.
This year’s council races will look a little different due to the council’s recent decision to adopt “second class” status for the city of Columbus, which will go into effect in 2024. The transition entails a number of changes to city structure, including the addition of two new city council members.
Indiana’s second class cities each have a legislative body made up of nine members — six members representing six districts and three at-large members. Columbus City Council is currently made up of five district representatives and two at-large.
The council has approved new council district maps as a result, which go into effect in 2024.
If District 1 Councilman Jerone Wood (D) seeks re-election, he would have to file to run for District 3 based on his residence as of September.
Columbus’ move to second class will also affect the position of clerk-treasurer, which is currently held by Republican Luann Welmer. Indiana Code specifies that while third class cities, such as Columbus, elect a clerk-treasurer, second class cities elect a clerk. Both positions fill the role of city clerk; however, the clerk-treasurer also serves as the city’s fiscal officer. In a second class city, the fiscal officer is a city controller appointed by the mayor.
Filings are completed in person at the Bartholomew County Clerk’s office at the courthouse. The deadline to file for the primary is Feb. 3, and the deadline to withdraw as a candidate is Feb. 10.
