Editor,
Carmel’s municipal primary election on May 7 is, without a doubt, the most important one in the city’s history. And this campaign season has been the nastiest in the city’s history. Through all the muck and the mud, I hope one message rings clear with every registered voter: if you love this city, if you live, work and play in this city, if you and your family feel safe in this city, please remember how we got to this point.
We are lucky enough to reside in a living, vital, beautiful community, largely because of the vision of Mayor Jim Brainard. That’s just the absolute truth of it. Without his leadership, this city would be far different today, and not in a good way. I have lived in Carmel for nearly 62 years and have seen every single mayor since Al Pickett. I can tell you not that much really changed for our community under the previous 20 years of mayors. Then Mayor Brainard stepped up, and our city started to breathe, grow and prosper.
Many naysayers dismiss my opinions because I work for the city and am running for elected office. They think my job is at stake or my thoughts are not my own. One even said I would say anything when “there’s a gun to her head.” Nothing could be further from the truth. I choose to serve in the public sector because I love my city, I appreciate my community and I believe I can make a difference, as is the case with all of my co-workers. We are beholden to no one.
Mayor Brainard’s opponent would have you believe Carmel is on the brink of disaster. Again, nothing could be further from the truth. This opponent inconceivably criticizes debt without comparing it against income. He wants to halt the public-private development partnerships that have significantly improved quality of life and property values for everyone. He wants to halt downtown development for at least six months to do long range studies that have already been completed. Mr. Glynn’s “vision” for Carmel would move our city from vibrancy to stagnation. We simply cannot stand by and let that happen.
Unfortunately, voter turnout is usually low in years with only municipal races. But this is not the year for complacency – every single vote will count. If you love what Carmel has become and want it to continue, I urge you to cast your vote to re-elect Mayor Brainard on May 7. Your vote would be for the candidate endorsed by our city’s police and fire unions – they, above all others, know who is on their side when it comes to keeping our community safe. Your vote would be for the candidate who has the experience, skill, knowledge and ability to successfully guide us to an even greater future.
Sue Wolfgang, Carmel resident, City of Carmel employee and candidate for city clerk
