Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said he’s “very happy” with the local and national results of the Nov. 8 election. Brainard, a six-term Republican who considered a run for Congress, said he’s glad to see the GOP win races for president, Indiana governor, Indiana senator and more.
“It’s always good to see someone from your party in the White House,” he said.
Brainard did not initially support Donald Trump during the Republican parties, opting to back Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Brainard previously told Current he disagreed with some of Trump’s policies and rhetoric, including comments on immigration, but he supported the party’s nominee as a loyal Republican.
Brainard said he’s happy to hear that Trump proposed spending $1 trillion on infrastructure nationwide. Trump campaign advisers said the plan would not mean raising federal taxes and could add as many as 6 million jobs to the economy.
In addition, Brainard said he’s happy that outgoing Indiana Gov. Mike Pence will now be the nation’s vice president.
“It’s a good thing to have a Hoosier in the White House,” Brainard said. “It could mean more money for our state when it comes to funding projects.”
Brainard said he’s happy with Eric Holcomb as Indiana’s new governor and Todd Young as Indiana’s new senator.
Furthermore, Brainard said he’s encouraged by the fact that Marion County voted to approve a mass transit tax. Carmel Clay Township officials decided to not put a referendum on the ballot for Carmel this election, but Brainard thinks that a successful plan in Indianapolis could mean that voters will decide to extend the project north into Carmel and Fishers.
“I think you’ll see Hamilton County vote on this project very soon,” he said.
