Kestler files for primary, first Democrat on ballot

Six Republicans and one Democrat have filed for the city of Columbus’s 2023 primary elections, as of Friday.

Councilwoman-at-large Grace Kestler filed to seek re-election at 3:30 p.m., making her the first Democratic candidate to turn in her paperwork since filings opened on Wednesday.

So far, three Republicans have filed to run for mayor of Columbus: 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.

Additionally, Christopher Rutan (R) has filed to run for an at-large council seat, incumbent Frank Miller (R – District 4) has filed for re-election, and Kent Anderson (R) has filed to run for the council’s District 5 seat. Fellow Republican and District 5 incumbent Tim Shuffett is not seeking re-election.

Republican Josh Burnett announced last week that he will run for council at-large but has not yet filed his paperwork.

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.

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.