Editor,
For years, Sally and I were strong supporters of Team Brainard. Sally served eight years on the parks board and one year on the Plan commission. We contributed thousands of dollars and donated plenty of food to the Brainard team. However, Brainard’s most recent direction of diluting our city with apartments will forever change the landscape, the highly rated schools and, ultimately, the value of property in Carmel.
At one time most of the members of Team Sharp were supporters of Brainard, but Brainard’s insistence on allowing too many apartments to be built and reckless spending on parking garages has broken the bank. Team Brainard has used taxpayers TIF money to subsidize the apartments, reducing the price point to below normal market value for the area. Brainard has allowed normal efficient market theory to be manipulated by government financing. Non-TIF subsidized apartments in Carmel will have to lower their rents.
However, their regular maintenance costs will not decrease. There will be more people living in these second and third tier apartments. The schools will be forced to have a referendum to raise taxes for the overcrowded schools. Team Brainard tries to spin the facts about the truth. Team Brainard acts like the only obligations that we have to pay is the debt. They fail to include the contractual interest, contract obligations, and long term lease obligations. When you add these components to greater, we have nearly a billion dollars that Carmel owes. Carmel only has 85,000 adults and children. Corporations do not pay any local income taxes in Indiana.
1.5 billion dollars in commercial property in Carmel has been subject to TIF, more than any other community in the State, so we the people are really stuck paying the taxes. Mayor Brainard has the sole power to put a majority on the CRC and other boards that have created debt or long term lease obligations, circumventing the review and approval of the elected fiscal body. Remember, we are the wealthiest city in the state! Team Sharp had to act as adults and take charge when Brainard’s team was unable to pay its obligations. The projections from Brainard and company were too misleading. Team Sharp had to stop the bleeding and restore our top credit rating. However, Brainard and company want to again spend beyond our means. Team Brainard and their elite friends are bleeding us for their own special interest. The final mess will be if Team Brainard wins and they eliminate the Clerk Treasurer position. We will have zero checks and balances.
If you want to continue the festivals and events, top schools, and a safety in Carmel, please vote for Team Sharp. Brainard cannot return to funding losses with more debt and lease obligations to his elite friends. Team Sharp will keep Carmel, Carmel with the best schools, parks, and safety. Please vote for team Sharp because we cannot afford to unscramble the eggs again.
Brian Shapiro
President of Shapiro Delicatessen
Non practicing CPA/JD