Editor,
I have seen and heard many different “stories” about Mayor James Brainard that cause me concern. I am compelled to stand up for the mayor, the boss and the man I know James Brainard to be.
As a City of Carmel employee from January 1998 to October 2013, and as someone who worked in close proximity with the mayor on a daily basis, I can say with all honesty that Mayor Brainard’s actions and words were always professional, caring and sincere. To clarify, I was in the workforce for many years and experienced firsthand the kind of behavior and language that is unwelcome and inappropriate by co-workers and bosses or owners. Mayor James Brainard is not guilty of those traits, and so I question the timing and integrity of the source of the recent “sexual harassment” claims leveled toward Mayor Brainard.
The citizens of Carmel have a proven history of Mayor Brainard’s dramatic changes to the city during the time he has been mayor. With Mayor Brainard’s vision for Carmel, and with the support of the common council, city employees and Carmel’s citizens, together the City of Carmel has developed into a coveted treasure garnering national attention and accolades – a city to be proud of.
I know James Brainard’s qualifications, experience and devotion to the office of mayor of Carmel and I am confident in his abilities to lead the city forward in the future ahead.
I have no experience with mayoral candidate Fred Glynn and the qualifications he brings for mayor of Carmel, and I address the following questions specifically to him:
- What is your employment history currently and for the last 10 years?
- If elected, will the salary you receive as mayor of Carmel significantly exceed the salary you currently make?
- If elected, will you be enrolling in the city’s insurance program, and if so, will the insurance premiums you pay as mayor be less than what you pay now?
- If elected, how would your proposed executive order on sexual harassment be stronger and more enforceable for all City of Carmel “city workers” and “officials” than what is already in place?
- If elected, you have an “ambitious vision to make Carmel a city that works for everyone.” How does Carmel not work for everyone now and how do you propose to improve Carmel so that it is all inclusive?
- Other than serving as a Hamilton County Council member, what qualifications and leadership abilities do you bring to the citizens of Carmel that exceed those already proven by current Mayor James Brainard?
- If elected, what are your plans for the city departments and department heads appointed by current Mayor James Brainard?
- Mud-slinging and personal attacks aside, why should citizens of Carmel vote for you instead of your opponent?
Elaine Bass, Indianapolis
