Public Safety: Please share your vision for Public Safety under your administration.
The focus when it comes to public safety should always be prevention, and that is an all-encompassing idea that involves not only our public safety departments and workers but also the community as a whole. Carmel should be known as the safest city in the world, and that only happens by having the best people, training, and support. We can never allow the focus to be reactionary - we must proactively stand up and do whatever is necessary to prevent crime and disasters from affecting our city.
Roads & Infrastructure: Please share your vision for Roads & Infrastructure under your administration.
Carmel doesn’t have a lot of the problems that other communities have with infrastructure, and that’s because we have always taken a proactive approach to planning and improving. That thought process can never change if we want to maintain and grow our transportation infrastructure.
There needs to be a focus on ensuring mobility for all residents any time a project is considered or any time an improvement or re-development effort is undertaken.
Looking towards the future, I would like to see a circulator in Carmel that brings connectivity throughout the city by moving residents from their homes to other areas. This must be done thoughtfully as it will require a shift in mindset from some residents. If done well, it can become an asset that further improves the quality of life for all in Carmel.
Economic Development: Please share your vision for Economic Development under your administration.
Carmel has historically done a great job of attracting quality employers to our community, but there is more work to be done. We can support the attraction of these companies by focusing on providing world-class services and opportunities that make Carmel stand out in an environment with stiff competition - not only locally but throughout the Midwest and country.
Quality of Life: Please share your vision for Quality of Life Amenities under your administration.
Carmel is built on the idea of quality of life. We can never stop focusing on developing parks, trails, green-spaces, amenities, and opportunities that make Carmel more than a ‘bedroom community’. New and innovative ideas must be explored, and we can never be satisfied with where we are.
Partnership with OneZone Chamber of Commerce: How will you work with OneZone Chamber to ensure a thriving business community?
Carmel's relationship with OneZone is an essential part of both our past and future successes. The city and OneZone must work together every day to build business relationships in the community. To continue to attract both large corporations and small business investment in our community, OneZone must be an integral part of the conversation. As Mayor, I look forward to having a close working relationship with the leadership and members of OneZone to ensure the business community's voice is loud and effective in Carmel.
Are there any critical issues that were not asked on the questionnaire you would like to add?
The position of Mayor requires a tremendous amount of experience - experience in the business world, experience in the world of government, and experience in communicating with people. I feel it is essential that as voters and business owners are looking to replace Mayor Brainard, the experience that a candidate is bringing to the table and their ability to take the ball and run forward with it day #1 is essential.
As a leader on the City Council for the last 16 years and an entrepreneur and business owner for more than 35 years, I know that I have the experience and vision to keep Carmel moving forward. That experience has also taught me the value of the relationship between the city and OneZone, and I look forward to having their help and support as partners in the future.