Former Mayor, Longtime Council Member Steps Down

(Image courtesy of the city of Noblesville.)

A former two-term mayor has resigned from the Noblesville Common Council. Mary Sue Rowland was midway through her third term on council and was the city’s mayor from 1988 to 1996. In a statement, Mayor John Ditslear called Rowland "a servant leader." The announcement came Monday. Council President Chris Jensen said Rowland was a "fierce champion" for the Hamilton County city’s downtown.

Rowland was an at-large member of council representing all citizens within the city limits and Noblesville Township. The Noblesville High School and Ball State University graduate is credited with city park improvements, efforts to restore the downtown area and the creation of the city’s arts commission. Two family businesses she helped start — Rowland Printing and a travel agency — are still in existence. Rowland is a Sagamore of the Wabash recipient.

Ditslear’s statement:

The City of Noblesville owes Mrs. Rowland our appreciation and respect for her many years of dedication to the citizens of our community, both as mayor from 1988 to 1996, and as a three-term member of the Noblesville Common Council. Mrs. Rowland’s impact can be seen through numerous projects and initiatives including the creation of the Arts Commission and Shakespeare in the Park, Logan Street extension from Indiana 19 to River Avenue and restoring the former post office into the Public Safety Building on Maple Avenue. We wish her the best, and will continue the many efforts she has contributed to over the years as a servant leader.

Jensen’s statement:

This morning, Councilor Mary Sue Rowland informed me of her intent to resign, effective immediately, from the Noblesville Common Council. The City of Noblesville owes a debt of gratitude to Mary Sue Rowland. We did not always agree, but I always knew where Mary Sue stood and I never doubted her love for her city. She is a fierce champion for our crown jewel, downtown Noblesville. She has made me a better public official. I will miss her on the council, but she assured me she will not stop advocating for Noblesville.