Women who work with Mayor Brainard speak in his defense

Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinions of The Reporter, its publisher or its staff. You can submit your own Letter to the Editor by email to News@ReadTheReporter.com.

Dear Editor:

The undersigned are all City of Carmel employees, but write this letter solely in our capacity as concerned private citizens.

After reading the outrageous and reprehensible allegations that have recently been leveled at Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, we, women who work at Carmel City Hall, feel deeply compelled to set the record straight as to our understanding and heartfelt belief of the character of a gentleman whom we have been privileged to work with for many years in a variety of capacities and job positions.

This letter represents women from seven City departments who have a combined total of over 265 years of civil service under the direction of Mayor Brainard. We are mothers, wives, young singles, veterans, etc., from all walks of life who feel compelled to set the record straight and support a leader whom we interact with on almost a daily basis at meetings, events, off-site functions and in the normal day-to-day operations conducted out of City Hall.

THE TRUTH IS: In all of the years that we have worked in City Hall, we have NEVER – let us repeat, NEVER – experienced nor observed any inappropriate behavior by the Mayor towards anyone.

Many of us have our own story to share of how Mayor Brainard has impacted our lives for the better. Whether it be losing a loved one, recovering from surgery, returning from vacation, or going through any of the myriad of events that make up our lives, the Mayor has always, at a minimum, showed his kindness and decency by “checking in” – not because he is politically motivated – but because he is a fine human being who cares about us as City employees and as individuals.

Mayor Brainard is respected, accomplished and rightfully seen as a visionary who has led our City to incredible heights. We, both as women and as proud public servants, feel privileged to support and stand by Mayor Brainard against these recent outrageous and, in our minds and belief, totally spurious allegations, and to thank him for being the honorable man we know him to be.

Respectfully,

Amanda Bennett

Kayla Arnold

Adrienne Keeling

Lisa Scott

Toni Butler

Ashley Ulbricht

Lisa Motz

Kate Lustig

Barbara Lamb

Sue Wolfgang

Courtney Livingston

Linda Travison

Alexia Lopez

Carol Dixon

Kelli Prader