By Ann Marie Shambaugh
Three new faces will join the Zionsville Town Council, as Kevin Spees and Joshua Garrett gained just enough votes to join incumbents Elizabeth Hopper and Tom Schuler in winning their contested district races in the May 5 primary. Political newcomer Bryan Traylor ran unopposed in District 1.
In District 5, Joshua Garrett narrowly won the closest race with 50.58 percent of the vote. Challenger Bret G. Brewer received 49.42 percent. Only six votes separated the two candidates by the end of the night.
“The consensus was this could be a low turnout primary and that every vote would count. I didn’t know how true that statement really would be,” Garrett said. “I am very appreciative for all the folks that supported me and voted for me. It’s a humbling experience knowing people support my vision and message.”
Although the race was among the tightest in town history, Brewer said “no way” will he ask for a recount.
“If there’s one thing I don’t like, its wasting money and time on trying to take something from someone who will do a great job,” Brewer said.
Kevin Spees will be the new councilor from District 2, earning 50.91 percent of votes. Brett Ashton received 47.26 percent of votes, and Tim Donnar, who withdrew from the race, ended up with 1.83 percent.
“It was important to both of us that we keep this campaign about the issues and not make it personal. I’m grateful to everyone who helped in the campaign and to those who got out and voted,” Spees said. “I look forward to working with the other council members to keep Zionsville moving in the right direction.”
Incumbent Tom Schuler won re-election in District 3 with 56.26 percent of the vote, while challenger David J. Boggs received 43.74 percent. District 4 incumbent Elizabeth Hopper received 55.04 percent of votes compared to 44.96 percent for Andrew M. Auersch.
Incumbents Jeff Papa and Susana Suarez will also return to the council. They ran unopposed for Zionsville’s two at-large seats.
Amy Lacy will be Zionsville’s new clerk-treasurer, earning 74.51 percent of the vote. Town councilor Candace Ulmer received 25.49 percent.
“This community’s commitment to the values that I strive to represent for the town are very encouraging,” Lacy said. “I plan to honor that commitment by working closely with our town council and our community to adhere to and even increase our high standards of fiscal responsibility, record keeping and transparency while continuing to improve efficiency as our town grows.”
All candidates ran in the Republican primary and do not have Democratic challengers for the November election. Nearly 15 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the election.
