Submitted by Hamilton County Democratic Party
The Hamilton County Democratic Party has announced that Democrats are running for a majority of Carmel municipal seats.
City Councilor Miles Nelson (candidate for mayor) is joined by Sara Draper and Jake Madore (At-Large); Courtney Culver (North Central); Jessica Irvine (South Central); Jeremy Eltz (South East); and Dr. Anita Joshi (West).
“We are thrilled to give voters a choice in November with this talented, capable group of candidates,” Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Dayna Colbert said. “These skilled candidates reflect the desires of Carmel’s voters: sustainable growth to continue to attract the best and the brightest to the city. Carmel is setting the stage for how to cultivate an environment that is both business and family friendly. These leaders will ensure Carmel continues to welcome all: recent graduates, young professionals, families, and those who are retired through exceptional quality of life amenities, safe neighborhoods, and more.”
Colbert said the candidates are ready to continue leading Carmel as one of the best cities in the country.
“As more residents move into Carmel, sustainable growth is key,” Colbert said. “Whether it be fiscally, environmentally, or physically, our Democratic City Council candidates are laser-focused on balancing all needs of Carmel residents. Carmel is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live, and our candidates will continue to carry that mantle.”
The Primary election will be held Tuesday, May 2, and the General Election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 7. This group of candidates is the largest number to represent the Democratic Party in Carmel since 2007 and party officials say this reflects the increasing trend of Carmel voters identifying with and voting for Democrats. The Hamilton County Democratic Party encourages voters to make their voices heard in the Democratic primary.
About the Candidates
Sara Draper, At-Large
Sara Draper is British by birth, and a Hoosier by choice. She was born in the suburbs of Manchester, in the equivalent of the Rust Belt, but was fortunate enough to attend Christ Church, University of Oxford, where she studied French and Italian Language, Literature and Linguistics.
Over 15 years ago Draper and her husband, Bob, settled in Carmel. Visa conditions meant she was unable to work for her first eight years in the U.S., so she started to volunteer in the community in various ways: on the Board of the Association of International Women; by serving on the Grounds, Maintenance and Security Committee of the Village of WestClay; and more. Her most significant volunteer role is as a Hamilton County Guardian ad Litem, a trained advocate for children involved in court cases relating to abuse and neglect.
The Drapers were also foster parents for DCS for four years, caring for seven children aged 5 to 14 over the years. They have one 21-year-old daughter, Abby, who was adopted through an attorney in Carmel. The Drapers have two rescue dogs and two rescue cats.
Jake Madore, At-Large
Jake Madore grew up in Michigan and attended the University of Michigan where he received his bachelor’s degree in Accounting before moving to Indiana in 2011 to attend the Indiana University McKinney School of Law. In law school, he studied Tax and was an intern for the Indiana Department of Revenue. During his final year, he worked at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
Madore met his wife, Sarah, while at McKinney. She now practices insurance law while he is in corporate taxation. They have lived in Carmel since 2015 with their two cats, Peanut and Hugo. Since moving to Carmel, Madore has been helping Hoosier Democrats in the suburbs by serving two terms on the executive committee for the Carmel Democratic Club, volunteering as campaign Treasurer for a State Senate race, and by raising money for the Hamilton County Democratic Party. Madore also volunteers with his church, St. Christopher’s.
Courtney Culver, North Central District
Courtney Culver is a 12-year resident of Carmel’s North Central District. She brings over two decades of professional leadership experience in the non-profit, telecommunications, financial, and technology sectors.
Culver grew up in Bedford, Ind., and graduated from Franklin College (Indiana) with a B.A. in Journalism and from Siena Heights University (Michigan) with an M.A. in Organizational Leadership. She currently leads teams focused on optimizing processes, resources, technology, and operations at a global technology company.
Culver has been involved in fundraising and volunteer efforts with various organizations such as Indiana Youth Group, Dayspring Center, Shepherd’s Community Center, Habitat for Humanity, and the Damien Center. She also led a national employee resource group focused on supporting and protecting LGBTQ+ employees and communities.
Culver and her husband and daughter enjoy the walkable North Central District and are fully invested in the future of Carmel.
Jessica Irvine, South Central District
Jessica Irvine has been a Carmel resident, specifically in the Home Place area, for more than 30 years. After attending Carmel Clay Schools, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Financial Management and a master’s degree in Environmental Policy and Sustainability from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. She also earned a Business Foundations Certificate from the Kelley School of Business.
As a first-generation college graduate, Irvine understands grit, hard work, and overcoming challenges in order to reach her goals. She currently serves as a Senior Environmental Manager for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. She is committed to protecting the environment everyone shares and that future generations will inherit.
Irvine volunteers in the community for several civic and animal welfare organizations. She lives with her partner Zach, their two cats, Oliver and Oscar, and their dog, Houston.
Jeremy Eltz, South East District
Jeremy Eltz currently serves as the Director of Rural Education at the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis. As an educational leader, he works every day to ensure students throughout the state receive the best quality education and have all the opportunities open to them.
Eltz began his career in research science at IUPUI before becoming a middle school science teacher in Pike Township in Indianapolis. In 2012, he joined the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) where he created the state’s first STEM plan, the STEM School Certification, adopted new science standards, and added computer science standards for grades K-8. In 2016, Eltz received his PhD in educational leadership and holds a school superintendent license.
Eltz is originally from California but moved to Indiana when he was very young. He and his wife, Missy, moved to Carmel in 2015 to raise their children, Macy and Mallory. The Eltz family are members of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church.
Dr. Anita Joshi, West District
Dr. Anita Joshi is running for City Council in the West District of Carmel, where she and her family have lived for 18 years. A pediatrician and small business owner with 25 years of private practice experience, Dr. Joshi is actively involved in community service and has served on many boards, including the Center for Interfaith Cooperation, Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, and the Brebeuf Jesuit Board of Trustees.
Committed to sustainable growth and representing the diverse opinions of the community, Dr. Joshi believes in putting the needs of Carmel residents first.