Republican incumbent Brad Burk and Democrat Tiffany Stoner are running for the District 5 seat on the Zionsville Town Council in the Nov. 7 municipal election.
Burk has lived in Zionsville for 16 years and is the council’s vice president. He is also the senior executive director of the American Cancer Society.
Stoner has lived in Zionsville for 24 years and owns Nathaniel Edmunds Photography.
Stoner and Burk answered the following questions from Current:
What are your top three campaign issues?
Stoner: My top priorities include thoughtful growth, connectivity and partnerships, and effective government. There hasn’t been a comprehensive plan created for Zionsville since 2003. An updated plan needs to include a vision for growth, an overlay of infrastructure enhancements, and how we meet the needs and desires of Zionsville residents. I would like to see a pathway that connects the subdivisions along the east side of Michigan Road and a means to cross to the west so that people can get across safely from Appaloosa Crossing to the Village. If you’ve not heard from your town councilor in the past, unfortunately, you’re not alone. I want to change that disconnect.
Burk: The primary responsibility of the town council is to serve as the town’s fiscal body. This requires ongoing diligence and foresight, which I have embraced in my current role and that will continue. My other priorities, based on four years of experience, are equally broad-based. Zionsville must improve comprehensive strategic planning and management (both preservation and growth) of the town’s diverse 67 square miles. Lastly, we must responsibly invest in exceptional town services that enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.
What are Zionsville’s greatest strengths? Where do you see areas of improvement?
Stoner: Zionsville’s strengths are the warmth of the people, the village charm, an award-winning school system, abundant parks and green space, and the proximity to the airport. Zionsville has the perfect combination of being relatively urban while surrounded by rural beauty. The public service provided by our fire and police departments is also truly unmatched. Many would love our adult children to return to Zionsville to grow roots of their own in the future. Unfortunately, it is cost-prohibitive for most young people starting their careers. To attract and retain the best, we need a range of housing options. To ensure future and continued fiscal health, our commercial tax base must increase.
Burk: Our greatest strengths can be illustrated by three pillars that continue to distinguish Zionsville: incredible schools, wonderful parks and trails, and a dynamic village that anchors our unique character. All three have attracted talented community-minded people who embrace high standards and a commitment to civic advocacy. Our town is quite healthy, but we must proactively address a number of related challenges including population growth, strategic planning, preservation, accessibility, parking, infrastructure, budgetary shortfalls, diversified revenues and broad-based collaboration. With proper leadership, I remain very optimistic that Zionville will continue to thrive.
How would you describe Zionsville’s financial health? Why would you describe it that way?
Stoner: Zionsville is in a healthy financial state and has a long history of sustaining that position. We invest over 50 percent of our budget on public safety and that investment contributes to being known as one of the safest towns in the country. With that being said, our tax base ratio (commercial, agricultural and residential) is out of balance. Approximately 74 percent of Zionsville’s taxes are generated from residential homes that are all capped at one percent assessed value. We need to attract more businesses to Zionsville.
Burk: The last few years have presented our town with various financial challenges, from which I have gained incredible insight. The bottom line is that our financial health is sound with a very optimistic outlook. I am proud that the town council has passed balanced budgets, retained over $25 million in reserves (a very solid percentage), funded new technologies (providing reconciled finances) and restructured the finance team. Future town leaders can build upon that success by fully auditing all financials, improving internal controls, growing diverse revenues and repairing our bond rating. With strong leadership, we have reason to remain very optimistic.
What should be the city’s role in supporting its senior citizen residents and their needs?
Stoner: The need for senior living facilities, including independent, assisted living and especially memory care, are absolutely necessary. I would like to focus on mixed-use developments that offer everyone of all ages access to parks, village-type amenities and pathways. The lifespan of senior citizens diminishes by two to five years when they enter a retirement facility unless they have access to outdoor spaces and socialization. We should strive to be a whole-life community in Zionsville.
Burk: Zionsville must strive to effectively meet the needs of all citizens, which requires awareness and a commitment to act. Seniors often experience a unique set of issues related to health and income. For example, seniors require distinct housing options (single-story, efficient, communal), including staged senior living (independent and assisted). Zionsville must also continue to address gaps that seniors face regarding accessibility, public safety and recreation. I have found that our seniors are often the most engaged and active in town government. We must continue to leverage that vast reservoir of experience and knowledge.
How do you determine if a proposed development or redevelopment project in Zionsville is something you would support?
Stoner: As new commercial and residential developments emerge, infrastructure should be top of mind. Further development and sprawl must be handled carefully and minimized. I would ask these questions before approving further development. Is our public safety adequately equipped? Can the roads handle added traffic? Do traffic lights, crosswalks, or pathways need to be an integral part of the plan? Has school leadership adequately accounted for future expected growth? Should water and sewage utilities be expanded to accommodate future developments? Who should pay for this? Have we maintained adequate green spaces and tree canopies, using native plants in landscaping? Have we encouraged the use of solar energy and environmentally sound building products?
Burk: First and foremost, Zionsville must update our comprehensive plan and streamline (traditional) zoning to provide long-term vision and context to all future proposals (currently in the works). We must strategically plan 10 years out. Currently, I weigh every project on its core merits – against actual alternatives. That pragmatism will continue. When coordinated and managed, change can be very positive, but every new proposal should meet high standards that enhance the quality and character of Zionsville.
What do you most want voters to know about you?
Stoner: As a 24-year resident, I have a valuable and wide set of experiences. I’m also a Zionsville entrepreneur who created an international award-winning photography business with my brother in 2001. We’ve remained part of the Zionsville fabric since and have photographed countless families. I’ve led fundraisers that have raised more than $250,000 for charities I am passionate about. I look forward to collaborating with a new mayor and the town council in a climate of openness and mutual respect while making financial integrity a top priority. I pride myself on being solution-oriented, collaborative and fiercely resourceful. I have a tremendous amount of energy to give to Zionsville.
Burk: I remain humbled that voters have honored me with this trusted position. I proudly stand on my example of service and voting record. Whether professionally or as a volunteer, I strive to exemplify servant leadership by engaging and empowering others. My approach has been to listen, learn and collaborate. Over one term / four years, I have learned a great deal and welcome the responsibility of putting that knowledge to work by assisting a new mayor and a new majority council.
What is the best way to contact you?
Tiffany Stoner: tiffanystoner.com, [email protected]
Brad Burk: voteburk.com or just call / text: 317.513.0451
