Newcomer files for Columbus council-at-large

Engelbert

Another Republican candidate is seeking the GOP nomination for Columbus City Council at-large.

Alex Engelbert filed his candidacy Monday morning. Engelbert, 30, said he is a life-long Columbus resident who works as the assistant principal and athletic director at Waldron Junior-Senior High School and previously worked in the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. According to his paperwork, he has not sought public office before.

When asked why he was running, Engelbert said he feels very fortunate to live in Columbus and wants to “pay that forward” through service.

“I think Columbus is a very uniquely situated city and just kind of want to make sure that the, I guess what I would call the Main Street American dream of safe streets, affordable housing, opportunities for enterprise and strong social services for those in need are available to as many as possible,” he said. “And I think ensuring that Columbus remains a city of opportunity and upward mobility for all is very important.”

His priorities also include addressing homelessness, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that the NexusPark project is “sustainable” and “lives up to its purpose.”

In addition to Engelbert, Christopher Rutan, a Republican, has also filed to run for an at-large council seat, and incumbent Grace Kestler, D-at-largeis seeking reelection. Republican Josh Burnett also filed for council at-large on Monday.

Due to the council’s recent decision to adopt “second class” status for the city of Columbus, residents will elect three at-large council members this year, instead of the current two. Additionally, there is a new District 6 seat that will need to be filled.

Councilman Frank Miller, a Republican representing District 4, has filed for reelection, and Kent Anderson, also a Republican, has filed to run for the council’s District 5 seat. Fellow Republican and District 5 incumbent Tim Shuffett is not seeking reelection.

In regards to the Columbus mayoral primary, three Republicans have filed: Mary Ferdon, Matt Myers and Milo Smith. Incumbent Republican Mayor Jim Lienhoop has said he will not seek a third term. He attended Ferdon’s campaign announcement in November and has endorsed her candidacy.

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.