For Jacob Quinn, deciding to run for Carmel city clerk made a lot of sense.
“It feels like a natural progression,” said Quinn, a Republican. “I’ve worked for the city for almost seven years, and I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about the process and the office.”
Quinn, chief deputy clerk for city business, works closely with City Clerk Sue Wolfgang, who has decided not to seek reelection.
“I don’t want to work until I’m 70, that’s the main reason,” said Wolfgang, who will be 66 at the end of her term. “I have served the city in various capacities (for 25 years), and it’s time for me to start doing some things I want to do.”
Once her time in office is over, Wolfgang still hopes to serve the city in some capacity, such as on a board or commission as an appointee.
All municipal offices, including city clerk, will be on the ballot in 2023. The clerk is responsible for maintaining city records, among other tasks.
Wolfgang was the city’s first elected clerk, a position created as a result of Carmel transitioning from a third- to second-class city. She took office in January 2020. Quinn, who described Wolfgang as a “good mentor” for the role of city clerk, worked for the city through the transition, which he said provided a unique opportunity to learn about the office and role.
The COVID-19 pandemic also proved to be a learning experience for Quinn, whose tasks included ensuring the public and city officials continued to have access to meetings and information when City Hall was shut down and other restrictions were in place. He said the experience led to him becoming “an Open Door Law expert.”
Wolfgang said the measures her office took to improve accessibility during the pandemic are among her proudest accomplishments as city clerk.
She said she believes Quinn would do an “excellent job” as her successor.
“He doesn’t get ruffled. He doesn’t lose his cool. He’s unflappable,” she said. “Being in that position and working with politicians and the public, it can be stressful at times. He is just cool as a cucumber, and he’s smart.”
Quinn, who grew up in central Indiana, is a graduate of Cardinal Ritter High School and Indiana University, where he studied public management. Before joining the City of Carmel, he worked as a legislative assistant and intern director for the Indiana House of Representatives and as a budget analyst for the Indiana State Budget Agency. He is a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church and Synergize and is an associate member of the Indiana League of Municipal Clerks and Clerk-Treasurers. He is enrolled in the Carmel Citizens Police Academy.
Quinn and his wife live in Carmel with their two daughters.
No other candidates had publicly announced a campaign for Carmel city clerk as of press time.
Learn more about Quinn at QuinnForClerk.com.
