Chuck Lehman selected to fill vacant city council seat
Chuck Lehman knows the character John Dippel brought to the Westfield City Council cannot be replaced, but he plans to bring Dippel’s enthusiasm to better the city. On Oct. 14, Lehman was elected by a Republican caucus to fill the vacant District 4 seat on the Westfield City Council. Dippel, who died on Sept. 21, had two years left on his term.
“Chuck’s experience as a businessman and also his years serving many different political roles will be beneficial for the future of Westfield,” said Mayor Andy Cook. “While I deeply miss Councilor Dippel, I know he would be proud of the man that will continue his job of serving the people of District 4.”
Once approved by the Hamilton County Board of Elections, Lehman will be sworn in as Councilor on Oct. 28.
“The transition from reactionary to visionary government has been terrific the last few years,” he said. “We’re going in the right direction. We’re so well positioned for the growth that’s coming.”
During his years in the manufacturing business Lehman was involved in public service and served as a town councilor in Kentland, Ind. and as a Newtown County commissioner.
“My first foray into politics was at the county level. I was a commissioner first. I really grew by that experience – different people tugging at you for different reasons,” he said.
One of the biggest benefits for Lehman having experience at the local and county level is taking a different perspective.
“It’s just not one thing. You gotta look at the big picture,” he said. “My experience as a commissioner first really helped me even when I was focused down on a rural town. The problems were the same, just a little smaller.”
Lehman has worked with city and county budgets for many years and also served as president on a seven-county regional planning commission.
“That’s when my eyes were really opened – seeing towns dying, treading water and growing. When you do nothing, nothing happens,” he said.
After moving to Westfield in 2007, Lehman became active in community service and has served on the Westfield Advisory Planning Commission for the past two years.
“I’m all in with developments to better the city … but with control, consideration and planning,” he said. “Without a grand vision you’re not going to get a little one.”
Within the city, Lehman is active in the Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Westfield Rotary Club and his church.
“I enjoy serving and being involved,” he said. “When you look at the community there are jobs that need to be done and I enjoy doing it. I don’t like to sit around; it’s more fun being out doing something.”
Former Rotary Club President Bruce Watson said Lehman will make an excellent addition to the council.
“Chuck has always taken a keen and active interest in the cities’ affairs,” he said. “He is a very thoughtful and level headed individual who keeps a cool head. While I have known him to be excellent with details, he is someone who sees and understands the big picture as well. Chuck is honest and very caring, and someone I would be proud to support for this position.”
Ken Kingshill has served with Lehman for about one year on the APC as well as on the Grand Junction Task Group. They have known each other for several years as members of the Westfield Rotary Club.
“Chuck listens intently to the discussion and then after everyone else is done talking he has a real knack for succinctly hitting the nail on the head,” Kingshill said. “He has a wealth of experience in both business and government and a sincere passion for his community. I have no doubt that Chuck will continue to serve Westfield well in his new role on the city council.”
Lehman said the biggest issue facing Westfield is its vision and preparation for the future.
“There’s a big opportunity to take advantage of managing big growth in the small town intimate way. I see it coming,” he said, adding the city needs to prepare its planning and infrastructure while preserving its heritage. “I’m here for the big view. I have no preconceived notions but I’m excited.”
Meet Chuck Lehman
Age: 65
Hometown: Kentland, Ind.
Residence: Centennial subdivision
Family: Wife, Patricia, three daughters and six grandchildren
Job: Lehman is the owner of Any Lab Test Now in Carmel, which he opened in 2010. For 37 years, Lehman owned a successful manufacturing business in rural northwest Indiana before selling the company and moving to Westfield in 2007.
Hobbies: Lehman and his wife enjoy biking through their neighborhood, being active on the Monon trail and going to the sledding hill with their grandchildren.
Personal quote: “Nothing gets done by itself. Nothing gets done without effort. People sometimes forget that somebody has to do it.”
Where he stands
When it comes to a few controversial items facing the city, Lehman isn’t shy about his feelings:
• Grand Park – “An automatic winner. They’re going to come. My concern at first was that the only way to fail with a Grand Park is not making it grand. I’ve taken a lot of people out there with pride that this is in my backyard.”
• Westfield towers – “Do we want to be on the map or do we not want to be on the map. Do we want to be a destination or a place people ask if we passed it? Two of the towers are optional, two are not. If people can come convince me that it’s a waste of money that will not distinguish us or define the intersection maybe I’ll change my mind.”
• Utility sale funds – “It’s a critical time. We need to invest that money in short, mid and long range to meet the needs of the city. Where are we going to put it? Should we invest it in infrastructure? Where will we get the most advantage, the most bang for the buck?”
• 161st Street-Spring Mill Road development – “It’s obvious that it wasn’t handled properly the first time around. I’m going to guard against that happening again. I’ll look at the entire intersection and look at a lot of factors. When presented with the right options, the answer will come out.”
