Huntingburg mayoral candidate: Open door, respect and focus on more than Stellar

Wednesday, Ron Drew officially announced his intent to run as the Democratic candidate for mayor of Huntingburg.

He chose to do so in front of the Dubois County Veterans Monument; a landmark created under the city’s last Democrat mayor, Marvin Belcher. Drew paid Belcher some homage during his announcement, even alluding to Belcher’s own Stellar Community aspirations.

First though, Drew took a moment to recognize the military and veterans. “I thought it would be appropriate to take the time to thank our veterans,” Drew said. “You know, we are here today because we are a free people in a free country.”

Drew credited community members who have approached him about running for mayor as the push that cinched the decision he had been pondering for some time. “The people coming to me, making me aware of their concerns and their situations,” he said. “They are not pleased with the present mayor.”

Drew will face Republican incumbent Denny Spinner in the November election.

Drew pointed out concerns he had heard about Spinner from employees and community members. Those included the mayor’s lack of contact with the city’s employees and the perception he is out of town often.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with people, I think the only way you can work with people and do the things you want to do, is to respect those people and let them know you care,” Drew said. “I would make sure as the mayor that I would keep in contact with my people to make sure I know I have their support and they know they have my support. At this time, I don’t think that is happening.”

Additionally, despite the perceived value of the community’s Stellar designation last year, Drew has some misgivings about the current administration’s focus on those projects pulling attention away from the city’s infrastructure needs.

“I think he [Spinner] has put his interest in Stellar and only in that, and not the rest of the community,” Drew said. “The Stellar program is a wonderful thing, but it can’t all be just about Stellar. We haven’t had the street work, the curb work that we have had in previous administrations. There is a lot of work to be done on streets and curbs.”

Drew specifically pointed out First Street which leads visitors to League Stadium and the City Park. “I think that needs looked at,” he said. “We used to be busy, but not so much with this administration.”

Drew said he was prepared for a debate with Spinner but for now he will be going door-to-door to spread the word about his candidacy in person to the community.

Drew retired from the Huntingburg Police Department after 32 years, eight of which he served as chief of the department. He credited this experience with his ability to be in touch with the community. “You get to meet every person in Huntingburg after 32 years. There are good people here in Huntingburg,” he said. “I think meeting with those people and speaking with those people gives me the ability to know how to deal with people. To respect people and be fair people. And, to be compassionate with people.”

Drew moved to Huntingburg from Oakland City in 1969. He worked at DMI’s table plant in the former Uhl Pottery plant until 1975. While at DMI, he was drafted and served overseas in the Army from 1971 to 1973.

After returning to Huntingburg, Drew served on the Huntingburg Police Department from 1975 to 1978. He rejoined the force in 1983 and served until 2012. While on the police force, Drew was promoted to detective sergeant and served as the Drug Abuse Resistance Officer (DARE). He worked his way up through the ranks serving as lieutenant and assistant chief before being appointed as chief in 2004.

“I do not consider myself a politician,” he said. “I have been a part of many different mayors and councils and feel that I have learned greatly from their actions and decision-making.”

Drew and his wife, Elaine, have five adult children and eight grandchildren. “We as a family look to God for our strength and guidance,” he noted in a written statement. “I also strongly believe in the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms to be able to protect myself and my family.”