Incumbents dominate first day of candidacy filing

Wednesday marked the start of the filing period in Columbus for those who want to run for mayor, clerk-treasurer or city Council.

Six Republican candidates, including five incumbents, filed on the first day. They are: Mayor Jim Lienhoop, Clerk-Treasurer Luann Welmer, District 1 Councilman Dascal Bunch, District 4 Councilman Frank Miller and District 5 Councilman Tim Shuffett. Newcomer Josh Burnett has filed to run for Council At-Large.

Candidates have until noon Feb. 8th to file. That is done at the Voter Registration Office in the Bartholomew County Courthouse. Candidates must be a resident for at least one year before November’s general election. They must also be registered to vote and have no felonies.

You can keep up with candidate filings through the county’s website, at bartholomew.in.gov.