Upon arriving in Columbus, Ohio Gladden was shocked by the corrupt government officials and flagrant disregard for law and order. Especially distressing for Gladden was the local government's failure to enforce a law requiring saloons to remain closed on Sundays. He firmly believed that people should spend Sundays celebrating God and not drinking. To improve the community, Gladden won election to the Columbus City Council. He served from 1900 to 1902. While he had hoped to instill moral values in government officials as well as local residents, Gladden was consumed with more mundane issues. He helped secure reduced streetcar fares. He also helped Columbus assume control over a local electric plant. He, however, was unable to enact temperance laws, to enforce Sunday blue laws, and to assist laborers in obtaining better working conditions. Gladden chose not to run for reelection after his term in office.

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