Ferdon at her campaign launch in November 2022. Courtesy-Brad Davis
COLUMBUS, Ind. – Mary Ferdon (R), who currently serves as Executive Director of Administration and Community Development for the city, said Saturday morning that she will run for mayor of Columbus. Ferdon has worked for the Lienhoop administration for the past seven years as “Director of GSD” as she calls it, or ‘Director of Get Stuff Done.’ The last three words were emblazoned on the back of t-shirts worn by Ferdon’s supporters as a campaign motto.
“This decision is rooted in my life-long passion for the importance of local government,” Ferdon said. “Reinforced by my 30 years of history in Columbus.”
Supporters, including Mayor Jim Lienhoop, other current administration officials, and community members braved the first snow of the year to watch as Ferdon launched her campaign at YES Cinema.
Ferdon touted her experience with public-private partnerships including her work bringing NexusPark, the State Road 46 overpass, and Second Street’s urban grocer to fruition, along with the city’s work in addressing the ongoing addiction crisis through ASAP. She also reflected on helping the city coordinate its COVID response through the creation of the Columbus/Bartholomew County COVID-19 Task Force, and the city’s designation as the 2022 Community of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
In terms of public safety, Ferdon’s priorities include attracting and retaining top police and firefighting talent and expanding the city’s intelligence-led policing efforts. Ferdon said she would push for the continued diversification of Columbus’ economy, the expansion of available housing through the creation of a housing development board, and advocate for environmental stability.
Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers (R) announced his candidacy for mayor on Wednesday of this past week.
