MUNCIE, IN — Mayor Dan Ridenour, expected to miss six weeks of work while he recuperates from cancer surgery, will leave things in the hands of an “acting executive.”
Ridenour on Friday, May 29, announced the appointment as Jeff Howe to those duties.
Howe will also continue to serve as director of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, according to a news release.
Muncie City Council, then with a Democratic majority, in 2024 eliminated funding for the deputy mayor’s position, at that time held by Republican Richard Ivy. He is now the human resources director for the Muncie Sanitary District.
Friday’s release indicated Howe will not receive compensation for his duties as acting executive.
“In accordance with Indiana law, the temporary designation of acting executive will take effect on June 1, and will remain in place for fifteen days,” the release said.
Howe is the former president off Old National Bank’s northeast region.
Ridenour had earlier announced Jeff Green, president of Muncie City Council, would fill him for him as needed during his recuperation.
Ridenour is scheduled to undergo surgery for prostate cancer on Tuesday, June 2.
“The city of Muncie wishes Mayor Ridenour prayers for a smooth procedure and a quick recovery,” said Amber Greene, the city’s director of communications. “We eagerly await his return and are confident in Mr. Howe’s leadership and abilities during this temporary transition.”
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie Redevelopment Commission director to serve as ‘acting executive’
Reporting by Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press / Muncie Star Press
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