Coping with growth tops every candidate's agenda in the Columbia City mayoral race. This spring, the ballot is thick with aspiring mayors. The incumbent Democrat mayor faces two city councilmen from his own party. Republicans can choose between a former police chief and a former city councilwoman.
Responsible growth is the key.
It's hard to stop the growth, but it should be controlled. One effect of growth is more traffic on U.S. 30 and state highways in Columbia City. Even as development blooms around the city, the next mayor needs to plan for aging sewers and water lines, he said. Freewalt is retired from Dana Corp. after more than 30 years with the local company. He has served on the City Council eight years and has served on the Columbia City Board of Works and Plan Commission.