by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Next year’s election contest for mayor of Noblesville appears to be starting early, very early. The all-important Republican primary is in May of 2019, but already at least three names have surfaced as likely or potential candidates.

City councilman Chris Jensen has made it clear that he will be running. Mike Corbett, publisher of Hamilton County Business Magazine, has given every indication he will also run. And, current school board member Julia Church Kozicki has filed an Exploratory Committee which could well mean an intention to run for mayor or, if not, some other elective office.

Mayor John Ditslear has indicated he will not be running for re-election. The mayor’s office and the other city officials including city clerk, city judge and all nine city council members are up for election next year.

It’s very early for the beginning of any city election campaign. This fall’s general election comes first. But, campaigns are beginning earlier each year as candidates do not want to see potential opponents gather supporters before letting it be known they are going to be seeking office.

With Ditslear not running, other candidates could join the race in coming months since the mayor’s office will be considered an open seat. All current city officials are Republicans, and a winner of the GOP nomination is regarded as an odds-on favorite to ultimately win election.

In Carmel, Mayor Jim Brainard has announced he will run for a seventh term. There has as yet been no indication of opposition. Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and Westfield Mayor Andy Cook are also expected to seek re-election, although they have not formally announced.

Before the city elections next May, voters will elect a host of county and township officials in November. Also on the ballot will be non-partisan school board elections in all six county school districts. Very few candidates have yet announced plans to run for the important school positions.

(Editor’s Note: Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness told me during a January 3rd podcast recording session he does plan to seek re-election in 2019…you can listen to that podcast at this link)