Sen. Braun to speak at tonight’s pork roast
By FRED SWIFT
The County Line
As Election 2022 nears and interest cranks up, early voting is brisk at the Hamilton County Judicial Center and county fairgrounds. Especially steady is the number of mailed requests for absentee ballots, according to the county elections office. Satellite early voting locations in Carmel, Fishers and Westfield open on Oct. 26. Competitive school board races in some local school districts have added to voter interest this year. The non-partisan contests are held at the time of the Nov. 8 general election this year.
Meanwhile, the political parties are working to get out the vote for their respective slates of candidates. U.S. Senator Mike Braun will be in Hamilton County this evening to meet voters at the annual Carmel Republican Pork Roast. It is set for 6:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Sue Miller home, 11300 Haverstick Road.
This year’s election offers voters an opportunity to elect or re-elect a U.S. Senator, representative in Congress, state legislators, and numerous county and township officials.
And, interestingly, candidates for the 2023 municipal elections are already displaying interest in that election cycle. The primary election for mayor, city council and other offices is scheduled for May 2 in Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers and Westfield along with primaries in some towns.
For the first time in more than a quarter century, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard will not be running for election. City councilman Kevin Rider has announced his intention to run for mayor. And, councilwoman Sue Finkam is known to be considering running. Sources close to her say it is “very likely” she will make her plans known in the near future.
Westfield mayor Andy Cook has not officially ruled out a run for re-election, but two candidates have already made known plans to run. Councilman Scott Willis and Councilman and Westfield High School football coach Jake Gilbert have revealed intentions to run for the city’s top job.
Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen says he will run for a second term. Thus far no other candidate has come forward.
And, at Fishers, Mayor Scott Fadness is expected to run for re-election, but has not officially announced.