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On Saturday, August 9, I had the privilege of joining Columbus Police Officer Christian Walker for a ride-along. His shift began at 2:30 p.m., and from the moment we left the station, we hit the ground running, responding to about ten calls before the night was over.
What struck me most was the level of professionalism, empathy, and calm our officers display, even under pressure. Whether it was offering help, defusing a tense situation, or, when necessary, making an arrest, Officer Walker and his colleagues treated everyone with dignity and respect. That night, we made two trips to the jail and one to the hospital. One sobering reality became clear: nearly half of our calls that day were related to mental health crises. At Columbus Regional Hospital, I learned that their mental health unit, 17 beds in total, is consistently at full capacity. Unfortunately, this wasn’t an unusual night. It’s a reflection of a larger community-wide challenge we must continue to address. Our CPD officers work tirelessly to serve and protect Columbus, often in difficult circumstances. They deserve both our gratitude and our support. As your city councilman, I remain committed to backing our police and working toward solutions that keep Columbus safe while also meeting the needs of our residents. So, the next time you see one of our CPD officers rushing to a call, know that they’re out there working hard to keep you...and me...safe. Sign at entrance of Paula Crump Nature Preserve Last week, more than 100 Columbus North football players showed up, not for practice, but to protect one of our city’s most beloved spaces: Mill Race Park. With gloves on and water bottles in hand, they tackled invasive plants like bush honeysuckle during a “Weed Wrangle” organized in partnership with Blazing Stars CISMA. It was tough, physical work, especially in the brutal summer heat. But they got it done -- together. What stood out most was their mindset. These students weren’t just checking a community service box, they understood why this mattered. Bush honeysuckle chokes out native trees and wildflowers, degrades habitats, contributes to erosion, and increases the risk of tick-borne illnesses. One student summed it up perfectly: “It’s good to do difficult things together. The park looks nicer now, and it just makes everyone happier.” (Read the full story here.) That single event, over 100 students, one afternoon, was powerful. And, it also raises our awareness about the invasives in our city because bush honeysuckle isn’t just in Mill Race Park. Invasives Along the People Trail. Take a walk or bike ride along the People Trail, especially the stretch along Haw Creek from 25th Street toward the Newbern Bridge, and you’ll see the problem. The dense, wall-like greenery lining the trail? That’s mostly Japanese bush honeysuckle, a fast-spreading invasive that suffocates nearly everything beneath it. Its impacts are serious and widespread:
And it’s not just honeysuckle. Everroad Park East: A Missed Opportunity. Everroad Park East is a 25-acre green space, technically a city park, but currently largely undeveloped. Located between Griffa Avenue, 25th Street, and 30th Street, it contains sections of the People Trail and backs up to Haw Creek. I believe the original intention was to make this field a Pollinator Park, filled with wildflowers, bees, and butterflies. But today, it’s mostly tall grasses and overrun with invasives. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Imagine Everroad Park East transformed:
This is exactly the kind of green infrastructure that builds ecological health, community pride, and safe outdoor recreation. Pauline Crump Nature Preserve: A Hidden Gem in Trouble. Just a short walk from Everroad Park East is the Pauline Crump Nature Preserve, a wooded area privately owned but long enjoyed by the public. It connects to the People Trail and was once lovingly maintained by local students and volunteers. Today, it faces serious challenges:
Yet, the potential remains. With proper care and city stewardship, the Crump Preserve could be restored as an urban forest—a peaceful, biodiverse refuge with clean trails, tree canopy, and native wildlife. Time to Act. If we invest in restoring these trails and natural areas, removing invasives and replanting with native species, we can create something truly special:
The Columbus North football players reminded us of what’s possible when we work together. Now, it’s time for us, as residents, volunteers, and decision-makers, to step up and follow their example. Let’s start pulling together. (Story and photos by Rachel Foyst) This week, Councilman-at-Large Josh Burnett brought home a new best friend, his first dog, adopted from Columbus Animal Care Services (CACS). It’s a heartwarming reminder of the life-changing impact that CACS has on both people and pets right here in our community. Congratulations to Josh and his family! If you're looking for a way to support the vital work that CACS does, mark your calendars for Saturday, August 2, 2025, and join us for the Moonlight Loop, a beloved Columbus tradition and a powerful fundraiser for Friends of Columbus Animal Care Services (FCACS). The Moonlight Loop is a relaxed, 19-mile evening bike ride that begins at 9:00 PM and winds through scenic Columbus, showcasing some of our city's most beautiful architectural gems under the stars. It’s not just a great time, it’s a great cause. Funds raised during the Moonlight Loop go toward essential programs like PetFIX, a low-cost spay/neuter initiative aimed at reducing unplanned litters and easing shelter overcrowding. This initiative directly helps reduce the number of animals needing shelter and increases the chances of pets, like Josh’s new pup, finding their forever homes. Want to ride, donate, or learn more? Visit: columbus.in.gov/animal-care-services/moonlight-loop photo credit: CPD Community Update: CPRB Meeting Cancelled & CPD Hiring Info Session As your city council liaison to the Community Police Review Board (CPRB), I wanted to share a quick update and an opportunity to connect with our Columbus Police Department. CPRB Meeting Cancelled for July 24. The scheduled Community Police Review Board meeting for Wednesday, July 24 has been cancelled. Chief Steve Norman has reported that there were no formal complaints submitted during the last quarter, and with the support of city administration, we’ve decided there’s no need to hold the Q3 meeting. Congratulations to the Columbus Police Department on a job well done—having no formal complaints filed this past quarter is a strong reflection of the professionalism and dedication of our officers. Columbus Police Department Is Hiring. If you or someone you know is interested in a career in law enforcement, CPD is hiring patrol officers with a starting salary of $72,800. It’s a meaningful opportunity to serve our community and be part of a team committed to professionalism, service, and safety. Learn More at Our Info Session – July 23. We’re hosting a Police Officer Hiring Information Session at City Hall (123 Washington St.) on Tuesday, July 23 at 6 p.m. Here’s what to expect:
No RSVP required – just come with your questions and curiosity. Whether you’re considering a career with CPD or simply want to understand the process better, all are welcome. As always, I’m here to answer questions or connect you with the right resources. Let’s keep working together to build a strong and safe Columbus. You can find more information at the CPD website. -- Jay Foyst City Councilman, Columbus, Indiana Liaison to the Community Police Review Board A message from Nicohl Birdwell-Goodin, Director of Animal Care Services:
Unfortunately, weather forecasts from several sources indicate a risk of strong storms moving through our area late this afternoon/evening. Although things look like they may clear up around 9pm, if it DOES storm earlier in the evening, we would not have adequate time to tour the course to clear it of debris. Riding at night is so much fun, but NOT if you are riding on slick roads with low visibility, dodging downed tree branches. In addition, setting up bike racks and tents in our staging area during potentially stormy weather carries its own inherent risks...think "lightening rod". We are so sorry to have to cancel our ride for tonight, but you can’t fight (or fully predict) Mother Nature. Your safety, and the safety of our volunteers is always our main concern. Our planning committee will work on trying to find another viable date to ride yet this year, and if we find a date that works with the City of Columbus – we will announce at a later date. Please don’t give up on the Moonlight Loop!! The Moonlight Loop will be back! Please check our website and Facebook for updates. Those riders who wish to pick up their t-shirts may do so at Animal Care Services starting Monday, July 14 from 10am to 5pm. “When, as here, an election challenger has not followed the General Assembly’s rules for challenging an election, judicial restraint compels letting the election results stand rather than letting a judicial decision overturn the election.”
Officer Ash with CPD attempting to open the back door to give relief to the dogs. On the afternoon of July 4, my wife Rachel and I made a quick stop at Walmart. It was 87 degrees, sunny, humid, and unmistakably summer in Columbus. As we walked to our car, we heard a dog barking. Curious and a little concerned, we paused. After loading our groceries, we looked around and quickly spotted the source: two dogs locked inside a parked car, windows cracked. They were panting, alert, but clearly uncomfortable. A couple standing nearby looked equally uneasy, and a group of people heading into the store commented that it was far too hot for dogs to be left alone like that. A kind stranger even handed Rachel a bottle of water to try to help the animals. We waited a few minutes, but when it became clear the owner wasn’t coming back anytime soon, I called 911. Thanks to a quick response from Columbus Police and Animal Care Services, the situation was handled safely. The officer was able to open a back door to release some of the heat. The dogs, though shaken, stayed put in the back seat. Not long after, the car owner arrived—surprised to find police and onlookers gathered around. This was a preventable situation, and thankfully it didn’t turn tragic. But it easily could have. The Danger Is Real—Even on a “Mild” Day According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the temperature inside a vehicle can rise by nearly 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. That means on a 70–80-degree day, the interior can soar past 100–110 degrees in no time. And cracking the windows? That doesn’t help. Elapsed TimeTemperature Rise 10 minutes+19°F 20 minutes+29°F 30 minutes+34°F 60 minutes+43°F Dogs and cats don’t sweat like we do. Heat can overwhelm them fast, especially if they’re older, younger, or have health conditions. And here in Columbus, leaving your pet in a hot car isn’t just unsafe—it’s illegal. You can be fined $100 for leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions. That fine reflects the seriousness of the risk. The best rule of thumb: If your pet doesn’t need to come with you, let them stay home in a safe, cool space. The Bigger Picture: Animal Care Services Is Essential That July 4 moment was also a reminder of how vital our city’s Animal Care Services department is. They don’t just handle stray animals—they’re first responders in situations like this one. They’re educators. They’re protectors. And they’re operating out of a facility that is well past its prime. The good news is: plans for a new shelter are near completion. And we need it. A modern facility will mean:
If Columbus is going to remain a city that treats its pets with compassion and care, we must give our Animal Care team the tools they need to do the job right. What You Can Do
A safe city includes safe conditions for our four-legged residents too. On July 4, I saw how quickly neighbors, police, and animal care professionals came together to do the right thing. That’s the kind of community Columbus is—and with the right investment in our infrastructure, it’s the kind of community we’ll continue to be. Jay Foyst City Councilman, District 6 Columbus, Indiana When we talk about essential city services, we often think of fire departments, police, roads, and utilities. But just as vital to a compassionate and well-functioning community is how we care for animals, and how we support the people who work tirelessly to protect them. That’s why I want to share with you the critical need for a new facility for Columbus Animal Care Services (CACS) and the role this department plays in our community every single day. The Mission: Protecting Animals and People CACS operates with a clear mission: To ensure the safety, welfare, and humane treatment of all animals and the people they encounter. This mission is carried out through a variety of services, including:
What Animal Care Services Provides CACS handles over 1,800 animals per year—and that number doesn’t even include wildlife unless they’re injured or in human living spaces. The department:
Staff, Volunteers & Community PartnershipsDespite being under-resourced, the department works thanks to:
How It’s Funded CACS is funded through a mix of:
Why the Current Facility Is No Longer Sustainable Our current facility, built in 1987, was designed for a different era:
What we’re seeing today:
The Path Forward A new facility is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Planning is currently underway for a new Animal Care Services building—one that matches both the size and values of our growing city. As liaison to this department, I will continue to advocate for a space that reflects the commitment our city has made to humane animal care, public safety, and the dedicated people who make it all happen. I’ll be sharing more updates soon, and I hope you’ll join me in supporting this essential cause. If you’ve adopted a pet, called for animal control, or believe in caring for all creatures in our community—this is your facility, too. Let’s build something better, together. -- Jay City Council Liaison to Columbus Animal Care Services The Moonlight Loop is back on the calendar for Saturday, July 12, 2025, with a 9:00 p.m. start time. This 19-mile nighttime bike ride is one of the most enjoyable events Columbus offers in the summer. It’s scenic, social, and supports a great local cause. Not a Race—Just a Good Ride The Moonlight Loop isn’t about speed. It’s a relaxed group ride through town, starting and ending at the Bartholomew County Public Library/Visitor’s Center Plaza (536 Fifth Street). Cyclists ride together and pass some of the city’s best-known architectural landmarks along the way. It’s a great way to see Columbus from a different angle—under the moonlight. Supporting Animal Care Services This ride benefits Friends of Columbus Animal Care Services (FCACS), the fundraising arm of Columbus Animal Care Services. The money raised goes directly to the PetFIX program, which provides low-cost spay and neuter services to local pet owners. That program plays a big role in reducing the number of unwanted pets in our community. Here’s Where Registration Stands Now As of today, online and early in-person registration have closed. But you can still join the ride by registering at the event on July 12. Be sure to bring cash or check, as that’s the only form of payment accepted at this point. On-site registration will be $40. What’s Included All registered riders will receive:
Please note that T-shirts aren’t guaranteed for those registering this late, but they’ll be available while supplies last. Want to Do More? You can still honor a pet or an animal-loving friend or family member by sponsoring their name on the back of this year’s event T-shirt. The donation for a sponsorship is $250. If you'd like to take part in this tribute, contact Columbus Animal Care Services for details. In Summary The Moonlight Loop is a chance to enjoy our city in a fun, laid-back setting while supporting a cause that matters. I’ll be out there, and I hope you’ll join me. It’s not too late to be part of something special. You can find more information or make a donation at Animal Care page here. New Sign Along People Trail Access at Griffa Avenue When I ran for City Council representing District 6, one of the first things I highlighted was the need for clear signage along our city’s beloved People Trail. In a blog post I wrote during my campaign, I emphasized how important it is to communicate the rules for trail use—because signs not only inform, but they help keep everyone safe. (Read the original post here). The People Trail has long been a point of pride in Columbus. According to the Columbus city website, the trail is “designed for pedestrians, bicycles, and anything people-powered.” Unfortunately, in recent years we’ve seen a growing number of motorized and electric vehicles—like mopeds, golf carts, scooters, and even dirt bikes—using the trail, often at speeds and in ways that pose risks to walkers, runners, cyclists, pets, and kids. Since taking office, I’ve made it a priority to address this issue. I’ve been working with the city for over a year to advocate for signage that clearly states what is—and isn’t—allowed on the People Trail. I’m pleased to share that progress is finally being made. The Parks Department has ordered new signs, and the city is updating trail usage guidelines to reflect the original intent: a safe, peaceful space for people-powered recreation and transportation. I feel good about the strides we're making to get this important issue resolved. The last thing any of us wants is for someone—or someone’s pet or child—to be injured because of confusion or carelessness on the trail. These new signs are a critical step in preserving the integrity and safety of the People Trail for all users. As always, I welcome your feedback and ideas. Thank you for supporting efforts that make Columbus a safer and more connected community. Let’s keep looking out for each other—on and off the trail. The United Way of Bartholomew County has released a major progress update on its initiative to make homelessness in the community “rare, brief, and non-recurring.” Backed by local support and a strategic shift toward root-cause solutions, the organization announced tangible progress—and an unwavering commitment to do more.
Since launching its targeted homelessness initiative, the organization has:
I’ve been struggling with our new procedure for appointing commission members in our city. Council members receive a short bio of nominees before the meeting, and when it comes time to vote, there is no opportunity to ask candidates questions. Often, nominees are not even present. I believe this is a missed opportunity for them to introduce themselves to the council, the city, and the people they seek to serve.
The recent appointment of Scott Ballard to the redevelopment commission highlighted these frustrations. The meeting became heated as some council members voiced concerns about the selection process. Mr. Ballard was absent from the council meeting, reinforcing the feeling that council members were expected to approve nominees. For an accurate, unbiased report on my case, please see this article written by Indiana Capital Chronicle and picked up by Yahoo! News: A yearslong legal battle over a Columbus City Council member’s candidacy sparked a sharp exchange Thursday between Indiana’s Supreme Court justices and Bartholomew County Democratic Party Chair Ross Thomas.
At issue in the underlying case was Thomas’ 2023 challenge against Republican Joseph “Jay” Foyst, which alleged Foyst’s candidacy in that year’s municipal election was invalid because the Bartholomew County GOP missed the deadline to file notice for a party caucus with the clerk’s office. This Court has consistently held that statutes governing ballot access must be read in a manner that upholds constitutional principles and does not unduly burden candidates. My attorneys have filed a brief in response to the State Democrat Party Amicus Brief. The response primarily asserts three points: The Issue of Standing and Judicial Estoppel First and foremost, the plaintiff, Ross G. Thomas, lacks the legal standing to challenge my candidacy. He has no personal stake in the matter and no authority to represent the public interest in this case. Additionally, Thomas previously stipulated in court that I was a valid candidate. Now, in a complete reversal, he seeks to argue the opposite. This is a clear case of judicial estoppel, a legal principle that prevents parties from contradicting their prior sworn statements to gain a legal advantage. As stated in our brief, "A party who assumes a certain position in a legal proceeding, and succeeds in maintaining that position, is prohibited from thereafter assuming an inconsistent position, especially if it results in an unfair advantage." Thomas cannot have it both ways. Furthermore, under the invited error doctrine, a party that has taken a specific legal position in court cannot later challenge the consequences of that position. By his own admissions, Thomas has already conceded the validity of my candidacy. The Filing Deadline Argument The amicus brief claims that because my initial filing was submitted one day late, my nomination should be declared void ab initio (invalid from the beginning). This argument is both legally flawed and inconsistent with established precedent. A missed filing deadline does not amount to an automatic disqualification. As my attorneys noted in the brief, "Ohio law recognizes that mere technical deficiencies do not necessarily invalidate a candidacy, particularly where there is no evidence of fraud or intent to deceive." Disqualifying factors include failing to meet residency requirements, felony convictions, or citizenship status—none of which apply here. A late filing is a procedural misstep, not a fundamental disqualifier. The Right to Renominate The Democratic Party’s brief also suggests that my renomination was improper. However, there is no legal basis for this assertion. If a political party chooses to renominate a candidate, there is no law preventing them from doing so—especially when the original issue was purely procedural. The amicus brief fails to cite any legal precedent supporting their claim. As our filing states, "There is no statutory prohibition against a valid renomination process when the initial issue is solely one of timing and not of eligibility." The Bottom Line Our legal system is built to ensure fairness, not to let technicalities override the democratic process. As my attorneys rightfully argue, "The fundamental principle of democratic elections is that voters, not legal loopholes, should decide who represents them." You can read the full brief below. The Indiana Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for March 13, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Please consider making a donation to help defray the legal costs in defending my case.
"The purpose of [election] law and the efforts of the court are to secure to the elector an opportunity to freely and fairly cast his ballot, and to uphold the will of the electorate and prevent disfranchisement.” (State ex rel. Harry v. Ice, 191 N.E. 155, 157 (Ind. 1934)) Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita Indiana Attorney General, Todd Rokita, has submitted an amicus brief in support of my case. Here's a summary: Attorney General Rokita argues that Thomas lacks standing because he has not shown any personal injury, as required by Indiana law. Courts should not intervene in election disputes based on general public interest alone. If the Court addresses the merits, it should affirm that political parties can renominate candidates after procedural errors, as Indiana’s election laws allow multiple paths for correction. Finally, the Court of Appeals erred in nullifying the 2023 election results. Overturning elections is only justified when voters knowingly elect an ineligible candidate, which did not occur. The Indiana Supreme Court should reverse the decision. You can read the full brief below. The Indiana Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for March 13, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Please consider making a donation to help defray the legal costs in defending my case. Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
The Indiana Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for March 13, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. The Court has invited amicus briefings in regards to my case, specifically naming the Attorney General's office. Amicus curiae (“friend-of-the-court”) briefs are briefs written by individuals or groups who are not directly involved in a legal case, but have expertise or insight to offer a court to assist in making its decision. The deadline for briefs is January 31, 2025 (See here to read court order). If you need to get up to speed on my journey to the Indiana Supreme Court, you can do so by going here, here, here, here, here, and here. I've had people ask me how they can submit an amicus brief to the court on my behalf. I continue to be humbled and grateful for this kind of support. However, my attorney, David Stone, has said the court is looking for legal insight that will help them render a decision. If you'd like to help, please consider making a small donation to help defray legal costs by clicking on the Donate Button below. When all the calculations were done, they found the safest small city in the country is Columbus, Indiana. (NEXSTAR) — If you’re ready to trade in car break-ins and police sirens for a slice of small-town living, you may want to set your sights on the quaint communities of New England or the quirky architecture mecca of Indiana.
MoneyGeek, a personal finance site, had researchers analyze last year’s FBI crime data of more than 1,000 small towns and cities where the population is between 30,000 and 100,000. Amicus curiae (“friend-of-the-court”) briefs are briefs written by individuals or groups who are not directly involved in a legal case, but have expertise or insight to offer a court to assist in making its decision. The Indiana Supreme Court says it intends to schedule oral argument in March and is inviting the Attorney General to contribute a brief, which means they are taking our appeal seriously.
The opinion, if allowed to stand, would serve only to thwart the will of the 454 voters who chose Mr. Foyst to represent them on the Columbus City Council. Justices of the Indiana Supreme Court Dear Friends, Here's an update on an important legal development regarding my candidacy for the Columbus City Council seat for District 6. As many of you know, there has been an ongoing dispute concerning my eligibility, which has now been taken to the Indiana Supreme Court. Here’s a summary of the key issues we are addressing: 1. Key Questions for Review: - Validity of Candidacy: We are challenging the appellate court's decision that invalidated my candidacy due to a missed filing deadline. This case could set a precedent for how we handle ballot vacancies and whether minor procedural errors should affect election outcomes. - Conflict with Precedent: We question whether the appellate court's decision conflicts with existing Indiana Supreme Court precedents by ruling that I was not a candidate, despite meeting the necessary criteria. - Respecting Voter Choice: We argue that the appellate court's ruling undermines the principle of respecting voters' choices by focusing too much on procedural issues rather than the substantive outcome of the election. 2. Background Information: - Challenge Details: On July 26, 2023, my candidacy was challenged due to a late notice of caucus. The County Election Board upheld this challenge. - Filing and Nomination: Despite the challenge, I filed the required paperwork on August 24, 2023, was re-nominated by the Republican Party on August 29, and won the election on November 7, 2023. - Court Decisions: Although the trial court ruled in my favor, the Court of Appeals reversed this decision, declaring my candidacy void and awarding the seat to my opponent, Bryan Muñoz.* 3. Our Arguments: - On Candidacy Validity: We argue that the appellate court misinterpreted the rules by declaring my candidacy void due to the missed deadline. I was an effective candidate despite the delay, and minor procedural issues, like the clerk’s office closure, should not disqualify me. - On Official Status: We assert that the plaintiff’s judicial acknowledgment of my candidacy should be considered binding, and that the court wrongly ignored this acknowledgment. - On Voter Disenfranchisement: We argue that disqualifying me based on procedural issues disenfranchised the voters who chose me, especially given their awareness of the legal challenge. In summary, our petition to the Indiana Supreme Court seeks to address these concerns by advocating for procedural fairness, respect for voters' choices, and a proper interpretation of election laws. The ruling, in our view, ignored the voters' choice and should not be based solely on technicalities. If you would like to support me in this fight to defend your vote, please go to my Donate page to find out how you can contribute. Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this crucial issue. Sincerely,
*According to reports, Mr. Munoz claims residency in District 6 with a "close family friend," even though he has sold his home in Columbus and is renting a place in Fishers. Indiana law requires that candidates live in their district both at the time of the election and throughout their term. The appellate court has instructed the lower court to declare Mr. Munoz the winner, but if he’s found ineligible, Mr. Thomas, the Plaintiff and Democrat Party Chair, says his party will select someone to represent the people of District 6 (See Motion to Stay).
Following the recent appellate court decision, I made the difficult choice to abstain from attending Columbus City Council meetings. This decision was intended to avoid any potential chaos or distraction during city business as my attorneys and I determined our next steps.
With the case now submitted to the Indiana Supreme Court, my attorney, David Stone, has recommended that I resume my attendance at council meetings. For the past few weeks, the constituents of District 6 have been without representation, which I believe is unacceptable. I plan to resume attendance on Tuesday, September 17, barring any decision from the court that would prohibit my doing so. I am committed to fulfilling my duties and ensuring that the people of District 6 have a voice in our council’s proceedings. My attorney, Jay Hoffman, has filed a Motion to Stay due to new information that shows Mr. Munoz no longer lives in District 6. The motion states:
You can download and read the entire motion below.
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