Jan. 7 was the first day candidates could file for the primary election in May. With Noblesville becoming a second class in 2015, this means that in addition to the mayoral race, two new seats will be available on the newly redistricted common council. Here are those that have filed and announced their candidacy:
Chris Jensen, Common Council District 2
Jensen filed paperwork seeking the newly redistricted Common Council District 2 seat.
“Several months ago, I started a dialogue with community members about the possibility of running for the Noblesville Council. Those conversations have been insightful and encouraging,” Jensen said.
The new District 2 encompasses residents in voting precincts Noblesville 11, 30, 31, 33, 34 and 36.
“The citizens of this community are excited and optimistic about the future,” Jensen said. “At the same time, Noblesville, like many communities, faces key challenges, and I am looking forward to working collaboratively towards positive solutions.”
Jensen, a longtime aide to former Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, now works in business development in the architectural and engineering field. He is a 2002 graduate of Noblesville High School, a 2006 graduate of Butler University and lives in Mill Grove subdivision with his wife, Julie, and son, CJ.
Candidates seeking re-election include:
John Ditslear, mayor
Mayor Ditslear said the positive direction of the city, overwhelming support for his initiatives, key accomplishments and a desire to tackle even greater things led him to seek a fourth term. Among his accomplishments, Ditslear is proudest of the businesses retained and recruited to the city; the enhancement of the downtown area; the partnership with Ivy Tech; various traffic projects to ease congestion; and the increased park and recreational opportunities. Ditslear said he remains focused on growing the city’s economy, enhancing downtown and improving quality of life by adding more parks and trails, easing traffic and congestion and keeping residents safe.
“If you think Noblesville is headed in the right direction, you’ll really love what we have planned for the next four years,” he said.
Roy Johnson, Common Council District 1
Johnson is seeking a third term as Common Council District 1 representative. He served as council president in 2010 and 2013. Johnson has served on the plan commission and the committees for budget/finance, parks and recreation, roads/traffic, building/land acquisition, wastewater and parking taskforce.
“It’s important to continue our progress through responsible decision-making and advancing the people’s vision for a vital downtown, a vibrant park and trail system, and utilizing a strategic economic development plan for Noblesville,” he stated.
Johnson holds two degrees in education and is employed by Purdue University. He also served as the host of numerous shows on HomeTown Television. Johnson and his wife of 30 years, Judi, have twins, Kaia and Roy Jr., who are Noblesville High School and Purdue University graduates.
Greg O’Connor, Common Council District 5
O’Connor also is seeking his third term on the council after championing efforts to provide new employment, education and recreational opportunities across the city.
“In 2014 alone, over 50 new businesses were established in Noblesville and over $100 million in new commercial investment was made in the city,” he stated. “Further, over 700 jobs will be created as a result of this new investment and in excess of 120 jobs retained. This increase in commercial investment expands our tax base and reduces the property tax burden on homeowners.”
Efficient uses of taxpayer dollars and quality of life initiatives also have been a focal point of O’Connor’s tenure on the council and will remain as priorities. O’Connor and his wife, Teena, have two children, Kerry and Evan, that are each NHS graduates. He is senior vice president and director of BMO Harris Bank.
Jeff Zeckel, Common Council at-large
Zeckel is completing his first term and will serve on the planning commission and the architectural review board in 2015. Zeckel’s focus has been on economic development, bettering downtown Noblesville and reducing property taxes.
“I hope to serve again on city council, in my opinion, we are headed in the right direction and I want to continue to be part of directing our future in the course we are headed,” he said. “We will face challenges over the next four years, I believe my experience that I have gained will help guide our future.”
Zeckel worked 24 years for Daimler Trucks of North America and currently own a small catering company, Zeck’s BBQ & More. He is a NHS and IU graduate and the single parent of an adult daughter. Zeckel also serves as NHS Alumni Association president.
