Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear has announced that he will seek a fourth term as leader of the city. Ditslear made the news official to a group of supporters at Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano on Dec. 8.
“I love Noblesville. I love my job,” he said. “I think we’re pretty good at it and things are going well for the city. We have a good team put together for the city.”
Ditslear, 72, is currently the longest tenured mayor in the city’s history. He said his week off for medical reasons in October shown him he isn’t ready to retire just yet.
“I’m doing it because I love it,” he said. “For me, it’s more fun than work. I have great support. Retirement is not my bag.”
To date, Ditslear said his proudest achievement is the extension of 146th Street east to the city’s Corporate Campus and the growth that area has seen over his tenure.
“We’re recruiting and getting great companies to come in like Zevacor Molecular, SMC Corporation, Cabela’s and Lemaster Steel,” he said.
While the city is moving forward, Ditslear said there are specific items he is focused on long-term.
“There’s a lot we need to accomplish – trails, parks and Federal Hill,” he said. “Eastside Park has 200 acres out there. I don’t know if it will be completed (during his fourth term) but we’ll have a good start if not finished.”
Ditslear said his other goals include recruiting businesses and creating jobs.
“We try to manage our growth and I think we do a good job with that,” he said.
During his announcement speech, Ditslear said two numbers stood out from the city’s citizen survey earlier this year – 95 and 96. Ninety-five percent of residents would recommend Noblesville as a place to live and 96 percent think the city has a great quality of life.
“We’ve got a lot left to do. We want to make it a better place to work, live and raise a family,” he said. “If things are going good why change? We think things are good and hop you do too.”
Ditslear received his first reelection vote of confidence from his wife, Teri.
“I’m very excited he’s running again,” she said. “I was not sure he was going to but he’s had really great success. Things are going well and he still enjoys it. He’s such a people person and wants what’s best for the city.”
Teri said her husband’s experience and connections are an advantage for the city.
“He’s in a groove now,” she said. “He knows the people to talk to to get things done.”
Candidates may not file until January for the primary election and Ditslear said he plans to be the first in line when it does open.
