Mayoral candidates differ on approach to addiction problem

One of the sharpest differences between incumbent Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop and his opponent in the May 7th primary election, Glenn Petri, has been on the issue of the opioid epidemic.

With the formation of the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress in Bartholomew County two years ago, the mayor has led the city to be a partner in the local anti-drug efforts. He said it was one of his priorities when he took office.

On the other hand, Petri says this is a health issue and local government shouldn’t have a role. He says that taxes have already gone up.

About the candidates

Jim Lienhoop, 65, is currently serving as mayor and formerly worked in accounting. His wife is Pam and they have two adult children and a son in law. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business with an accounting concentration from Indiana University in Bloomington. The mayor previously served on the City Council both winning office as an at-large council member and filling in for former councilman Craig Hawes, when Hawes was serving overseas. The mayor is a member of St. Peters Lutheran Church. In his official role as mayor he says he is involved in many community organizations but also is proud to have been a co-founder of the Olympian Quarterback Club. He also served on the board of the United Way and of the Heritage Fund.

Glenn Petri, 69, is retired although he says he still keeps a couple of customers as more of a hobby than a job. His wife has passed away. He has a son and daughter, and two grand children. He has a degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in natural sciences with a specialization in urban planning. He has run for city and Bartholomew County Council before but not been elected.