Welmer
An incumbent has filed to run for the position that will replace her current role.
Columbus Clerk-Treasurer Luann Welmer, a Republican, has filed to run for Columbus city clerk, which comes with somewhat different responsibilities than her current position.
The change is due to the city’s recent decision to adopt second class status.
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.
Welmer was elected clerk-treasurer for the city of Columbus in 2011, and re-elected in 2015 and 2019.
Filings for the 2023 primaries opened on Jan. 4. Republicans Mary Ferdon, Matt Myers and Milo Smith have filed to run for mayor of Columbus.
Democrat incumbent Grace Kestler, and Republicans Alex Engelbert, Christopher Rutan and Josh Burnett have filed to run for Columbus City Council at-large. Councilman Frank Miller, a Republican representing District 4, has filed for reelection, and Republican Kent Anderson is seeking the council’s District 5 seat.
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.
