Two political newcomers have filed to run for Town Council in District 5, an area located in the heart of Zionsville. The District 5 position is being vacated by current council president Steve Mundy, who has decided not to run again so he can spend more time with his family and travel.
Name: Joshua Garrett
Age: 38
Years in Zionsville: 8
How did you end up in Zionsville?
My wife and I both worked in Zionsville and loved the feel for the town. Talking with people who already lived here made the decision easy.
Why do you want to run for elected office?
I was told I would get a special siren for my car, turns out that’s not true. Kidding. I wanted to give back to a community that’s given me so much by using my experience as a business owner to build on the foundation implemented by the current town council.
What is your previous political experience? Have you run for or held an elected office before?
This is my first foray into politics.
What are your top priorities if elected?
Smart growth. I’d like to create a world-class technology infrastructure starting with a high-speed fiber network built for residents and businesses (e.g. Google Fiber). I also want to preserve the values and qualities that make Zionsville special.
What are your qualifications to run for this office?
I helped found and build Zionsville’ largest private employer (MOBI). I have learned many things in those years about creating and implementing a vision that can be applied towards Zionsville.
What is your favorite thing about Zionsville?
The downtown area. There is no other place in Central Indiana where you can shop so many unique and local stores and restaurants. I have also met some of my best friends by living in Zionsville.
What area do you think is Zionsville’s greatest need for improvement?
I want Zionsville to be considered by entrepreneurs starting new businesses in Central Indiana. ZWorks is a great first step in creating an environment to incubate new ideas.
Favorite local restaurant: Noah Grant’s / Friendly Tavern
Favorite movie: North by Northwest
Favorite quote or motto: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Family: Wife of 10 years, three children (8, 6 and 3)
Pets: None
Favorite vacation: Disney World with our children
Something you’d like readers to know about you: I am an open book and believe in transparency. There should be no surprises with my positions and tend to take a moderate approach to most situations, interjecting humor if appropriate.
Something most people don’t know about you: I recently signed up to be an Uber driver. They are a new customer of MOBI and I wanted to experience their systems and processes for new drivers. I’ve promised my wife this won’t be a second career.
Name: Bret Brewer
Age: 43
Years in Zionsville: 12
How did you end up in Zionsville?
When we first got married we rented on Oak Street and I worked as a bookkeeper at the local Re/Max. We then built our first house in the Weston’s and came up back to Zionsville after we had Logan and Jessica.
Why do you want to run for elected office?
I live and work on Main Street. I’ve been involved with the schools and peripherally in town issues. I don’t have big political aspirations, but when I thought about how I could help this town the idea of being on town council seemed like the best way to do that. Friends have encouraged me to run, and it seems like there’s a need for someone on town council who really understands the financial side of things.
What is your previous political experience?
I’ve helped a few polling booths but haven’t run for political office before.
Have you run for or held an elected office before?
Professionally I’ve held several offices with the American Society of Appraisers including State Director, Treasurer and President. In the community I was elected Treasurer of Lincolnwood Neighborhood Association, Chairperson of Timberwood Neighborhood Association and Treasurer of the Eagle Elementary PTO for two years. Through these offices I’ve learned to analyze situations, communicate and work with others. My objective is to make sure that the end result is fair for everyone.
What are your top priorities if elected?
I am currently looking over Town budgets and doing research. I would like to fund the schools AND not have a referendum, this seems to be one of the largest issues that divides Zionsville and I would like it to end.
What are your qualifications to run for this office?
As one of five people in the nation and the only one in Indiana to have all of the designations on valuing businesses, my background should provide the town with the insight of budgeting and forecasting while avoiding unnecessary spending.
What is your favorite thing about Zionsville?
Hearing amazing stories of how giving the residents are!
What area do you think is Zionsville’s greatest need for improvement?
The entrance to Downtown Zionsville. It also needs a lot of forethought to do it right.
Favorite local restaurant: Salty Cowboy
Favorite movie: Red (this month, it changes all the time)
Favorite quote or motto: Blue Horse Shoe Loves Anacot Steel
Family: Melissa (wife of 20 years), Jessica 13 and Logan 10
Pets: Sophie (German Shepard that loves to play ball with people), Almanzo and Laura (cats)
Favorite vacation: Working on some special project around the house away from the computer
Something you’d like readers to know about you: I ran my first marathon last year and my son pulled me in over the last 3.5 miles.
Something most people don’t know about you: I skipped second grade.
