Independent running for Carmel mayor

Democrats possible in Noblesville & Fishers

A three-way race for mayor of Carmel now appears quite possible as Darin Johnson has declared his candidacy. He is in the process of collecting the 800 petition signatures needed to get on the November ballot as an independent candidate.

Claiming to be the only fiscal conservative running for the job, Johnson is planning to compete with Republican Sue Finkam and Democrat Miles Nelson. Finkam won a spirited GOP primary last month over Kevin Rider and Fred Glynn. Nelson was unopposed in the Democratic primary.

A new mayor will be elected in the Nov. 7 general election since seven-term incumbent Jim Brainard did not seek re-election this year. His term ends Dec. 31.

There were unconfirmed reports this week that Democratic candidates may also be planning to run for mayor in Fishers and Noblesville.

Names have not been revealed. Democrats have until noon on July 3 to fill their tickets since no mayoral candidates filed in the party primary election.

Currently Republican incumbents Chris Jensen of Noblesville and Scott Fadness of Fishers are unopposed. Neither had primary opposition.

Republicans who are expecting unusually competitive races in November, are already planning a number of rallies and campaign efforts to meet the challenge. Democrats have not elected a mayor in Noblesville since 1975 and have never elected a mayor in Carmel or Fishers. The party also has numerous vacancies to fill for other municipal offices such has city clerk, city judge, and city council.

This fall’s election is strictly for municipal offices but may have the added attraction of school tax referendums in as many as three county school districts.

Columnist Fred Swift has worked in newspapers for decades. He has been sharing his opinions in the pages of The Reporter since it began. Email him at swiftfred19@gmail.com.