Muncie Mayor Ridenour announces re-election run in 2023

David Penticuff, Muncie Star Press
·2 min read

MUNCIE, Ind. − Mayor Dan Ridenour officially began his bid for re-election Tuesday.

The first term chief executive of Muncie government made the announcement in front of an assembled friendly crowd at Elm Street Brewing Company.

Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour announces his bid for re-election Tuesday before a group of supporters at Elm Street Brewery.
Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour announces his bid for re-election Tuesday before a group of supporters at Elm Street Brewery.

Ridenour, a Republican, cited his administration's accomplishments, including balancing city financial accounts, which he said were overspent by over $3.3 million, while also paying off over $4.4 million in city debt, "without increasing taxes."

In a press release, Ridenour's campaign noted he partnered with neighborhoods to clean up dilapidated sites that had impeded growth and cleared the way for new investment.

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The statement also credited Ridenour's leadership for Delaware County population growth, rising home values in the city and increased median household income in Muncie.

“Over the last three years, we have seen what can happen when things are done the right way,” Ridenour said. “We will continue to attract business and make generational investments in infrastructure and housing that benefit our neighbors today and will bring new families to our city.”

Ridenour was elected mayor in 2019 and previously served four years on the Muncie City Council. He worked 30 years in the banking and finance profession where he served as a Regional Manager for three different banks over his career.

More:Dan Ridenour cruises to mayoral win in 2019 election

The campaign statement said Ridenour had been "cleaning up the mistakes of the past" while attracting new public and private investment in the city.

Ridenour followed Democrat Dennis Tyler into office. Nine people faced criminal charges, including Tyler, after a federal investigation into corruption inside Muncie city government. The former mayor eventually pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds.

The 2023 primary election for municipal offices will be May 2. The general election will be Nov. 7. The campaign is using Hathaway and Associates as its consultant. A coordinator position with the campaign is still being determined, Ridenour said.

“This campaign will be about the results and progress that we’ve made together and our shared hopes and ideas for Muncie’s future," Ridenour said. "We’ve come a long way – and I am thrilled to ask for Muncie’s trust and support once again.”

He and his wife, Sherry, have four children and four grandchildren.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Mayor Ridenour announces re-election run in 2023