Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton has done something no other city leader has done before.
On Monday, Barton took an unprecedented fourth oath of office in front of a crowd of family, friends, and other elected officials in the council chambers of the City Building.
Montgomery County Superior Court II Judge Daniel Petrie administered the oath to Barton as well as the re-elected city council members and other new officeholders from surrounding county towns.
“I am very humbled by the significance of what just occurred,” Barton said. “The mere fact that I was fortunate enough to do something no one has ever done before in the history of this great city is at the forefront of my mind. To be given the opportunity to take the mayoral oath a fourth time is unprecedented, and I consider it an incredible honor. It’s a responsibility that everyone knows by now that I don’t take lightly.”
Barton first took the oath of office 12 years ago becoming the city’s 34th mayor.
He said Crawfordsville is a much different place than when he took office.
“Much has changed, and we have come a long way and Crawfordsville is a much better place,” he said.
When Barton was first elected his primary goal was to leave the city simply better than he found it, and that operative has not changed.
The mayor is proud of his relationship with the seven city council members — Jeff Lucas, Ethan Hollander, Kent Priebe, Jennifer Lowe, Stan Hamilton, Andy Biddle, and Mike Reidy. All seven won re-election alongside the mayor.
“As a team we’ve accomplished much these last few years, but we aren’t done yet,” Barton said. “We spent years staying focused on doing the right things to lay the groundwork for success and we now find ourselves experiencing that success. Our foundation is strong, and we are experiencing success and growth that would have seemed unimaginable when we started down this path.
“With a record-setting $90 million in new assessed value added to the city in 2023, more than $700 million in new private economic development announcements in Crawfordsville and Montgomery County the last few years, and more than 1,000 new jobs coming in the next two years, it is safe to say our hard work is paying off and this community is experiencing tremendous growth.”
Barton believes the community remains in transition and will look different in another two to three years.
“I also strongly believe that a fourth term as mayor of Crawfordsville isn’t only an unprecedented opportunity, it can also be dangerous territory ... It would be very easy to become complacent and set in our ways during a fourth term, but those of you who work with me know that I set the bar high, and that bar will be pushed even higher over the next four years.”
Barton gave credit to his administrative team and department heads for their hard work and dedication.
“We’ve already accomplished great things, and had some impressive wins, but we aren’t even close to being done,” Barton said “I can assure everyone that we won’t be taking our foot off the gas anytime soon. We will continue to work hard each and every day to make Crawfordsville a great place to live, to work and to visit.”
Barton added he would be sharing more details during the upcoming State of the Community address which will take place in is mid to late February.
In the meantime, Barton urges residents to stay up to date with accurate information on the weekly Crawfordsville Connection podcast.
Barton also thanked Terri Gadd, the outgoing clerk-treasurer, for her unwavering and exceptional 18 years of service to the city, 15 of which were spent as an officeholder.
“The dedication you have given this city is and has been an example for others that you truly gave it your all,” he said. “You will be missed, and I hope you will stay involved.”
Karyn Douglas, who replaces Gadd, also was sworn into office Monday. Douglas most recently served as the Montgomery County Clerk. Barton is confident she will do a “fantastic job in her new role.”
Barton also thanked the people of Crawfordsville for their trust and for believing in him.
“This city has an amazing history and a bright future,” he said.
