Editor,
Having had the privilege to serve as President of our town council for two terms, Vice-President for a term, and having an at-large council district which represents the entire town of Zionsville, I have had a unique perspective to view the performance of town council members and to understand what the position requires for good outcomes. I am also a resident of District 3, which is currently well-represented by Councilor Tom Schuler. Tom brings a sharp financial mind to town matters and has been a strong, independent voice for District 3 and his constituents. I am also very concerned that his opponent does not understand the 2010 reorganization approved by the voters, and has been calling for changes to that plan which are un-needed and would cost the taxpayers millions of dollars in unnecessary expenses and lost freedom.
Councilor Hopper has represented District 4 extremely well, including service as Vice-President, working diligently on transportation issues, working to support our unique Village merchants and improve the tax base to reduce strain on homeowners, and working successfully to amicably settle the litigation with our airport. Schuler and Hopper have also been instrumental in the many innovative and cost-saving partnerships we have forged with our excellent school system.
I have known Brett Ashton for 19 years, and he is extremely qualified and knowledgeable; he would make an excellent representative of District 2. In District 5, Josh Garrett is an amazing technology entrepreneur and has exciting ideas to help our town thrive, while maintaining its unique charm. Bryan Traylor is unopposed in District 1, and would be an outstanding council member. Vice-President Susana Suarez is unopposed for At-Large Council, and has served the town very well in her first term. For Clerk Treasurer, I believe Amy Lacy would bring her many years of experience working in the Clerk’s office as well as an ability to work effectively and responsibly with the council and the state. Zionsville is a unique, amazing place, with very unique needs. Having carefully studied the candidates, and the needs of our town going forward, this is the team I would like to work with to preserve what we all love about our town, while ensuring that services are provided and strain on residential taxpayers is reduced as much as possible. Whoever you choose for these offices, please vote on May 5and help keep Zionsville moving forward.
Jeff Papa, Town Council Member
