Hamilton County mayoral incumbents roll to wins
CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) – All three mayoral incumbents in Hamilton County were successful in their primary bids Tuesday.
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard defeated City Council President Jim Sharp. The contest featured a debate over Carmel’s growing debt. Brainard has long contended that Carmel’s debt load remains at a manageable level. Sharp said the city was over-extended and could face having a special benefits tax triggered. Brianard won his sixth term in office.
He told 24-Hour News 8 he sees his victory as a vote of support for his vision for growth in Carmel.
He said he’d like to continue developing the downtown area and make road improvements.
Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear defeated challenger Mike Corbett in a rematch from the primary in 2011. The win will give Ditslear his fourth term in office.
Westfield Mayor Andy Cook held off Jeff Harpe. When Cook ran in 2011, he held off his challenger by less than 100 votes. The 2011 election was fought over the plans for Grand Park which was a key topic again in 2015. Cook won his third term in office.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, who was elected in a special election last year, was uncontested in the primary.