OneZone Chamber City Council Questionnaire
Identify your top three (3) issues that you wish to address during your tenure in office and rank them in order of priority.
- Continue to invest in amenities that make Carmel one of the best places to live. This includes parks, trails, roundabouts, plazas, mixed-use developments and more. We will do so in a fiscally responsible way, relying on the advice of financial experts and creating public-private partnerships to continue to make investments without increasing the residential property tax rate (which we haven't).
- Continue to support public safety, including approving funding to support our police and fire departments. I will also continue to look at ways to improve motorist and pedestrian safety. We will do this by communicating with the mayor's office about busy intersections and roads and encouraging the consideration of new roundabouts, paths or crosswalk where they might be needed.
- Continue to communicate with my residents in a transparent way, sharing a detailed newsletter with ongoing events, recent news and fun facts about the city. I will also continue to be readily available by phone or email. I will also host town hall events and attend HOA meetings, which I regularly do already.
What do you believe is the role of the City Council in our community?
City Council works with the mayor and other elected officials to ensure Carmel remains on the right track. While the council cannot initiate projects like the mayor can, we can provide input and we have the authority to vote yes or no on funding. The City Council approves the annual budget and, in a sense, helps set the tax rate. I'm proud to say Carmel has the lowest tax rate in the state for any city with a population over 100,000 people. When you include all 117 cities, Carmel ranks 9th in district rate (which includes library, township, etc.) and 15th in city rate. An effective city councilor also provides information to constituents, keeps them apprised on projects, and connects them to city resources when needed. I'm often advocating on my district's behalf for issues where the mayor has the ultimate decision-making authority. That's why it's important to elect an experienced city councilor with strong relationship-building skills in order to affect the most positive results for SE Carmel. I'm proud to say that SE Carmel saw a lot of positive development in my first term in office, such as the opening of Needler's Grocery Store, the new remodel of Flowing Well Park, continued upgrades to the Brookshire Golf Course and two new crosswalks at 116th and 126th streets. But more is on the way. We have three new roundabouts planned/funded for SE Carmel to improve safety and new pathways, such as the new multi-use path extension along Gray Road. If re-elected, my goal will be to advocate fiercely for continued investments in SE Carmel, especially when it comes to sidewalks, paths and crosswalks. I believe our district is one of the most active when it comes to runners, cyclists and dog-walkers and continued investments will only boost that positive attribute of our area.
What experiences and qualities do you think makes you the best candidate for this position?
1. I try to do what's right, regardless of political party or whether my position will make someone upset. Right is right and that's why you run for office.
2. I care about people. I don't ever look down on anyone. I don't judge others. When constituents come to me with a problem, I try to put myself in their shoes. Even if I don't agree with their position, I listen and respect them. Every problem is important to that person, and you can't diminish that.
3. I know how to build relationships. When you publicly attack other elected officials -- even when you disagree -- relationships erode. You need to get along with people to get things done for your voters. This doesn't mean giving in or compromising your beliefs, but it means being diplomatic in order to achieve the best results for your voters.
4. I have a track record of working with developers to improve their projects in response to neighbors' concerns. Because of my diplomatic approach, I've been able to get several changes successfully accepted and implemented. Again, when you attack right off the bat, you are unable to get anything done.
5. As a former small business owner in Carmel for more than a decade, I'll always fight for the little guy. I believe small businesses are the backbone of our economy and they deserve a strong advocate.
6. As a former communications specialist at the Indiana Statehouse, I know how to advocate for my voters and my city when state laws are being proposed. I've successfully lobbied for changes to bills already and I will continue to stay involved.
7. As a former newspaper reporter, I know how to be objective, ask tough questions, listen to both sides and analyze data.
8. I prioritize my constituents. I desire to have good, productive relationships with my fellow city councilors, the mayor and local businesses, but I will always put the voters first since they are the ones I'm elected to serve and represent.
9. I love this city. You won't find me disparaging it or damaging its reputation for my own gain. Not ever.
10. I believe in serving others, which is why I was named OneZone's Volunteer of the Year for 2019.
11. I can always be easily reached at 317-361-6737
2. I care about people. I don't ever look down on anyone. I don't judge others. When constituents come to me with a problem, I try to put myself in their shoes. Even if I don't agree with their position, I listen and respect them. Every problem is important to that person, and you can't diminish that.
3. I know how to build relationships. When you publicly attack other elected officials -- even when you disagree -- relationships erode. You need to get along with people to get things done for your voters. This doesn't mean giving in or compromising your beliefs, but it means being diplomatic in order to achieve the best results for your voters.
4. I have a track record of working with developers to improve their projects in response to neighbors' concerns. Because of my diplomatic approach, I've been able to get several changes successfully accepted and implemented. Again, when you attack right off the bat, you are unable to get anything done.
5. As a former small business owner in Carmel for more than a decade, I'll always fight for the little guy. I believe small businesses are the backbone of our economy and they deserve a strong advocate.
6. As a former communications specialist at the Indiana Statehouse, I know how to advocate for my voters and my city when state laws are being proposed. I've successfully lobbied for changes to bills already and I will continue to stay involved.
7. As a former newspaper reporter, I know how to be objective, ask tough questions, listen to both sides and analyze data.
8. I prioritize my constituents. I desire to have good, productive relationships with my fellow city councilors, the mayor and local businesses, but I will always put the voters first since they are the ones I'm elected to serve and represent.
9. I love this city. You won't find me disparaging it or damaging its reputation for my own gain. Not ever.
10. I believe in serving others, which is why I was named OneZone's Volunteer of the Year for 2019.
11. I can always be easily reached at 317-361-6737
How will you work with OneZone Chamber to ensure a thriving business community?
I already have regular conversations with OneZone about important issues. I talk to Jack Russell and members of the business issues committee quite regularly. I attend their events and talk to their members. I attend ribbon cuttings. I believe in what OneZone is doing.
How can voters connect with you? (email, social media, etc.)
Best way is to call me at 317-361-6737 or email me at aaasen@carmel.in.gov
My website is adamaasen.com and my Facebook page is Facebook.com/AdamForCarmel
My website is adamaasen.com and my Facebook page is Facebook.com/AdamForCarmel