Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view of the vote here sign outside the vote center inside NexusPark on the first day of early voting in Columbus, Ind., Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
Six candidates are seeking three Columbus City Council at-large seats in the first municipal election since the city adopted “second class” status and expanded the number of council seats.
Currently, there are two city council at-large seats, which are held by Democrats Tom Dell, 69, and Grace Kestler, 34. But the adoption of second class status added an additional at-large seat in the upcoming election.
Both local Democratic and Republican parties have nominated a slate of three candidates who are vying for the seats. Each voter who participates in the upcoming municipal election will get to select their three preferred candidates.
Incumbents Dell and Kestler are seeking re-election and are joined by Democrat Paul Hoffman, 60, on the ballot. Republican nominees include Josh Burnett, 35; Alex Engelbert, 31; and Christopher Rutan, 45.
Early voting for the upcoming municipal election starts Oct. 16. Election Day is Nov. 7.
Q: What specific policies or proposals would you pursue if elected to the city council?
Democrats
Dell: During the upcoming term, the city will continue working to meet the expectations we set forth with the adoption of the Envision Columbus plan. The council must meet the opportunities and challenges with the continued growth of downtown housing like “The Taylor,” the Riverfront project, and NexusPark.
Hoffman: I will work to get a supportive housing program instituted in Columbus. Supportive housing is permanent, affordable housing with on-site support services to serve the needs of the most vulnerable population, including homeless individuals and people with disabilities. Providing those services will make our city safer for all.
Kestler: Housing and Homelessness: Addressing homelessness and providing services for those experiencing homelessness is a priority. We must find and implement solutions in collaboration with social services. City Infrastructure Investment/Maintenance: This includes city owned facilities, roads, bridges, public transportation and utilities. Creation of maintenance funds and strategic plans for facilities/parks/storm water.
Republicans
Burnett: I aim to serve our community and the council by effectively communicating with our residents about upcoming projects and decisions that will directly impact their lives. This will be especially crucial following the decision to transition to a Class 2 city, which will affect the way all policies and proposals are made.
Engelbert: Provide affordable low-income apartments, increase salaries for our police, fire and other city emergency personnel, support NexusPark with sustainable policies and equitable access, require apartment developers to set aside affordable space for small business, keep Columbus culture inclusive and hospitable for businesses and careful regulation of westward expansion.
Rutan: There has been a lot of wasteful spending. The first proposal is to take care of our problems now and not delay them any further. Second is to examine and re-examine the proposal before approval. I will also talk to all my constituents before voting.
Q: What are the biggest issues in Columbus and how would you address them if elected to the city council?
Democrats
Dell: The rise in homelessness is something that tops many constituents’ concerns. It is not only about affordable housing, but also about people facing mental illness and addiction. ASAP provides a collaborative city model to provide better coordination, improved programs and strong support for some of our most vulnerable community members.
Hoffman: Affordable housing, homelessness, a safe riverfront. I will support: Incentives for developers that will build safe, affordable housing; increasing the availability of facilities that will give the homeless the health care, housing, and employment they need; a smart plan to clean up PFAS and protect the riverfront from erosion that threatens to expose a former landfill.
Kestler: Priorities are based on community need and conversations with residents. I see the following as important: Substance abuse, adddiction and mental health, continue to support ASAP and related programs/partnerships for crisis intervention teams. Expense/maintenance of homes due to lack of affordability and lack of compliance with minimum housing standards: Support Code Enforcement and provide grant funds for Community Development improvements.
Republicans
Burnett: In today’s world, many people have the freedom to choose how they work and where they live. My goal would be to make decisions that ensure our residents feel safe, our children are set up to thrive, and that families have plenty of enjoyable activities to experience here in Columbus.
Engelbert: The increasing homeless population demands our greatest attention. The homeless of this city share with all of us dignity in the eyes of God, a desire for the American Dream, and call Columbus home. The council must work to move these citizens from the streets to affordable apartments.
Rutan: The homeless issue is the biggest problem and easily solvable. The city needs to recognize there is a problem and open a true 24/7 shelter (with restrictions) so that no one feels left out and doesn’t have to abide by a program that doesn’t work for everyone.
Q: There is a shortage of affordable housing units in the city, and many households are struggling with housing costs. If elected to the city council, what would be your approach to expanding the city’s supply of affordable housing?
Democrats
Dell: The city must continue to do all it can to support developers who want to increase our inventory of housing. The increased interest in residential projects is exciting. Developers of the workforce housing project, Gladstone Apartments, is now working with the city on a larger project on State Street.
Hoffman: I will: Incentivize new construction of affordable homes, work to lift condo lending restrictions as condos are often a step toward first-time home buying, focus on manufactured housing as they typically cost less than homes built on-site, seek to improve financing for existing homes, help borrowers with better financing tools.
Kestler: Expanding the supply of affordable housing requires a multifaceted approach, including Mixed-Income Developments: promote the concept of mixed-income developments, where affordable housing units are integrated into market-rate housing projects. Zoning and Land Use Policies: This might involve rezoning certain areas to allow for higher-density development or ensuring permitting processes are streamlined.
Republicans
Burnett: Affordable housing is a complex issue in our city, state and country. My approach would follow our city’s historical process for addressing complicated issues. I would collaborate with local businesses, area non-profits and community members to find a solution that enhances the quality of life for all residents who call Columbus home.
Engelbert: A strong government does not mean a big government. The council can act in a strong, but limited way in approving funding for construction of government-subsidized housing for the homeless and low-income citizens within the current tax structure. Approach the issue with a bipartisan spirit.
Rutan: We need to bring all the current landlords, developers and everyone concerned into a meeting and find out what is holding the affordable issue back. There are multiple factors that we may or may not know about.
