Rick Taylor has been elected to lead the Noblesville Common Council in 2015 as he enters his fourth year on the board. He replaces outgoing president Mark Boice.
“I’m honored. I’ve only been here for three years and most are on their second term,” he said. “I feel like I’ve grasped what my job is and our philosophy. I want to lead Noblesville to be a better place to raise a family and a place to be when you retire.”
Taylor said the council’s priority is to balance the budget.
“We didn’t in 2014 but all councilors realized how important it was to add to our public safety staff (three police officers and a fireman),” he said. “We have to find a way to balance the budget.”
Taylor said other areas of focus for this year include:
● Economic and residential development
● Westside gateway/Federal Hill – “We need to bring in some development, that’s the whole concept of having land for that project … It ties both sides of the river together. We’re not taking away from one (side).”
● Southwest Quad – “The scope is done. We have to meet with the residents and landlords to make it look better. It benefits the whole city.”
● Improving downtown Noblesville’s curb appeal – “There are needed improvements downtown to spruce it up and keep it vibrant.”
IAFF Local 4416 member and retired Noblesville assistant chief, Taylor beat out two other candidates for the Noblesville City Council District 3 seat in the 2011 May primary. The historic “Old Town” resident of 30 years was sworn into office in August 2011 to fill Dale Snelling’s seat after his untimely death.
Taylor plans to run for re-election this year.
