By Adam Aasen
City Council President Rick Sharp is making an announcement at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 26 about whether or not he will run against Mayor Jim Brainard.
If Sharp chooses to not run against the five-term incumbent, then he will run as an at-large city councilor instead of running in his northwest council district. Either way, he will run a citywide campaign focused on the financial future of Carmel.
The press conference will be held at the front lawn of Carmel’s City Hall.
His release said he’s deciding to run for either office because: “He has had the opportunity to be a part of Carmel’s tremendous growth, working to attract businesses to Carmel while exhibiting fiscal restraint. During that time, he has also witnessed overspending and a lack of transparency by the current administration, leading to a significant amount of financial debt and putting the future of our city at risk.”
The release also states that Sharp wants to take action to: “Attract Businesses and Good-Paying Jobs to Carmel, Reduce Carmel’s Debt and Increase Transparency and Accountability and Stop Neglecting Carmel’s Basic Needs and Infrastructure.”
Sharp has served on the council since 2004 and has been selected by his colleagues as council president six times. He previously served on the Carmel Redevelopment Commission and the Carmel Plan Commission. Sharp makes note of his extensive background in business, primarily in property management but also in other fields. He said his business experience keeps him focused on the bottom-line and reducing Carmel’s debt.
According to campaign finance reports filed this week, Sharp reported raising $94,064 in 2014, including cash on hand. Sharp spent $24,214 and has $69,850 left in the bank.
Brainard, who officially filed for re-election on Monday, raised $227,277 in 2014.
Sharp and his wife Susan moved to Carmel in 1992 from Hollywood, Fla. They have three grown daughters, Rachel, Brenna and Sara. In his free time, Sharp enjoys reading science fiction novels, cooking, playing the guitar and occasionally performing in community theater productions.