Carmel City Council incumbent Bruce Kimball, a Republican, is being challenged by Democrat Cleaster Davis in the Central District in the Nov. 5 election.
The candidates answered the following questions from Current:
Name: Cleaster Davis
Family: Wife, two children, three grandchildren
Years in Carmel: 25
Education: Butler University and Christian Theological Seminary
Occupation: Minister and business owner
More info: DavisforCouncil.com
Why do you want to run for office?
I’m financially responsible, and my biggest problem is Carmel is mounting or renewing a gigantic debt. Who is going to pay for that? I want to be conscious of that and give input as best as I can on how we can reduce our debts.
What issues will your campaign focus on?
My platform is to support small businesses and get zoning right for small businesses. Also adapted reuse of vacant buildings and reorienting economic development incentives.
What is your favorite aspect of living in Carmel?
The Monon Trail. (I love) the fresh air, seeing happy people, happy families, children growing up.
What is an area where Carmel can improve?
The drainage situation in Home Place is pathetic. We knew when we went in that (upgrades) needed to be done and we just haven’t done them.
Something most people don’t know about you?
I am a photographer.
Something you want people to know about you?
I’m compassionate. I’m very approachable. I love cleanliness, and we have a clean city and I love it.
Name: Bruce Kimball
Family: My wife and I have three children between us. Brandon is on a submarine in the Pacific, and Justin is in the tech industry with Microsoft. Pat (Patrick) is a manager in Westfield at Bridgewater Country Club.
Job: I am retired but approach City Council as a full-time position. There are several other councilors who, like me, feel being actively involved in the community nearly full-time is just as important as council meetings.
Years in Carmel: 28
Education: I graduated from high school in a small community in Southwestern Ohio. I then graduated from Hanover College in southern Indiana, where Indiana’s last two governors also graduated from.
Previous political experience: Elected to city council in 2016
More info: facebook.com/BruceKimball4CarmelCityCouncil/
Why do you want to run for office?
From the time I moved back to Indiana and Carmel I have been involved in community-building organizations. I want to make sure Carmel doesn’t experience boom and bust as is the pattern for many suburbs as sprawl keeps moving outward.
What issues will your campaign focus on?
Public safety is No. 1, followed by keeping taxes low and values high. Last but not least, I will continue to focus on the activities that keep Carmel’s neighborhoods strong and inviting as neighborhoods continue to age.
What is your favorite aspect of living in Carmel?
While Carmel has grown by leaps and bounds, being involved in many organizations still gives Carmel a small-town feeling. I can be stopped on the Monon Trail or shopping in Kroger and catch up with friends and neighbors. Carmel is an opening and welcoming community and is known as a leader and forward-thinking city.
What is an area where Carmel can improve?
Continued support of public safety as the city grows with added population is important. My background in residential lending is an asset as the city will see numerous infill projects. Keeping our older neighborhoods’ infrastructure up-to-date will be ongoing. I will continue to support stormwater drainage projects as the Central District was developed before modern practices were instituted. I am a strong supporter of local neighborhood schools and will support Safe Routes to Schools to make it safe for children to have the option to walk or bike to school if weather permits.
What other organizations are you involved with?
Bike Carmel, Carmel Historical Society, Carmel Farmers Market, Carmel GOP, Lions Club, Carmel Historical Society, Central Indiana Bicycle Association. I am too quick sometimes to raise my hand to volunteer.
Something most people don’t know about you?
I spent my high school summers working at a Boy Scout camp, and I am an Eagle Scout. I was a two-time chief of a local Boy Scout Service organization, the Order of the Arrow.
Something you want people to know about you?
I believe that cities are buildings and roads, but it’s people who build communities.
