2019 Bloomington Primary|Council Candidate At-Large: Andy Ruff
Outcome: The top three at-large vote-getters in the Democratic Party primary were Susan Sandberg with 2,993 votes (21.54 percent), Jim Sims with 2,728 votes (19.63 percent) and Matt Flaherty with 2,564 votes (18.45 percent). Andy Ruff received 2,337 votes (16.82 percent). [Full results here]
Andy Ruff is running for a four-year term on the Bloomington Common Council as an at-large councilmember. He is one of six candidates vying for three at-large seats in the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary. Other at-large candidates are Vauhxx Booker, Jean Capler, Matt Flaherty, Susan Sandberg, and Jim Sims.
No Republicans have filed for the at-large seats in the May primary.
Ruff is an academic advisor for the Indiana University human biology program. He was first elected to council in 1999, and is seeking his sixth term as a councilmember. His council tenure is the third longest in the modern era.
According to his campaign website, Ruff’s platform focuses on social services, quality of life, sustainability and labor. His cites several legislative accomplishments during his tenure, including sponsorship of Indiana’s first living wage ordinance and a “responsible bidder” ordinance.
He currently serves on the city’s Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding Committee and the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Funding Citizens Advisory Committee.
Ruff earned an undergraduate degree in natural resources from Cornell University. He also holds a secondary level teaching certification from the IU School of Education, and a master’s degree in public administration from the IU School of Public & Environmental Affairs.
He is a singer/songwriter and member of The Dew Daddies, a local country honky-tonk band. He is married to Susan Bollman, who works at Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis.
Ruff is serving as his own campaign treasurer and chair.
Links to Additional Information
Email: andyjruff@yahoo.com
Twitter: NA
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- Statement of organization
- Declaration of candidacy
- Statement of economic interests
- Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures
In the News: Andy Ruff
Sandberg, Sims, Flaherty earn Democratic at-large city council nominations; Ruff out
– Bloomington Herald-Times, May 7, 2019
City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary – Indiana Public Media, May 7, 2019
City council at-large candidates discuss affordable housing, parking – Bloomington Herald-Times, May 3, 2019
Andy Ruff runs for city council re-election a sixth time – Indiana Daily Student, April 22, 2019
Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video) – Community Access Television Services (CATS), April 2, 2019
City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing – Bloomington Herald-Times, April 2, 2019
At-large city council candidates talk climate, development, equality at forum – Indiana Daily Student, March 26, 2019
Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward – Bloomington Herald-Times, Feb. 25, 2019
Bloomington City Council Split On Vote For Proposed Housing Complex – Indiana Public Media, Dec. 6, 2018
Bloomington adopts sustainability plan – Indiana Daily Student, Nov. 1, 2018
Bloomington City Council picks up the pace after slow start to year – Bloomington Herald-Times, Dec. 28, 2016
Council member Andy Ruff reacts to SOTC – Bloomington Herald-Times, Feb. 16, 2016
Bloomington City Councilman Says I-69 Did Not Cost Him Votes – Indiana Public Media, Nov. 16, 2011
Council candidate statement (video) – Monroe County Democratic Party, Nov. 2, 2011