Sean Burton
A local bartender’s bid to run for mayor of Columbus as an independent candidate has become official.
Sean Burton has turned in the required number of certified signatures and filed his consent paperwork, said Taylor Seegraves, elections administrator for the Bartholomew County Clerk’s Office.
Additionally, Democrat Keegan Hill, 33, has filed to run for Columbus City Council District 4, which will set him against Republican incumbent Frank Miller.
Burton will be running against Columbus Director of Administration and Community Development Mary Ferdon, who beat Republican former Indiana state representative Milo Smith to become the GOP nominee with about 63% of the vote during the May primary. Incumbent Mayor Jim Lienhoop, also a Republican, is not seeking another term and has endorsed Ferdon.
“Congratulations to Sean for getting the signatures he needed to take this step,” said Ferdon, when contacted for comment. “This is an example of our democratic process at work, and I look forward to finishing out the campaign strong. Over the past seven years, I’ve had the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge about Columbus and what is important as we continue to move the city forward. Over the next few months, I will continue to talk with voters about issues critical to them, and share my vision.”
There is currently no Democratic candidate for mayor, but the party could still select a candidate for the general election before noon on Monday.
When asked if the party will do so, Bartholomew County Democratic Party Chair Ross Thomas replied, “If we have a candidate, they’ll be filed by July 3.”
As for the new District 4 candidate, Hill works at CLAAS of America and has not run for office before.
“I was recently helping a friend with a campaign, and he’s encouraged me to get more and more involved, and an opportunity presented itself,” he said. “And I believe I have a lot to offer this city, and I’d like to serve any way I can.”
He said that, if elected, his priorities would include substance abuse, quality of place, keeping people involved and informed, and making sure Columbus is a “safe and welcome place for everybody.”
