In early November 2014, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard ended months of speculation about his political plans with the declaration, “it’s time to move on.” With that announcement, Ballard set the stage for the city’s 2015 mayoral contest, with this May 5 election becoming the first in 16 years where the incumbent isn’t seeking re-election.
As might be expected, several candidates have emerged to claim the vacant seat, stating they have what it takes to run a city with 820,000 residents facing concerns about educational equity; the city’s public image; and a shocking homicide rate. The crowded contest and important issues all add up to a potentially suspenseful political drama for Tuesday’s election.
Following is a look at seven Democrat and Republican candidates in the 2015 Primary Election.
Democratic candidates
Joseph Hogsett
Age: 58
Occupation: Lawyer
Serving for four years as United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Joe Hogsett states he’s earned a solid reputation for fighting crime in local neighborhoods. He launched Public Corruption Working Group, a Civil Rights Task Force, as well as a Violent Crime Initiative.
He boasts party support and an impressive political war chest. Marion County Democrats officially nominated Hogsett in early February as their candidate and in mid-April the candidate reportedly raised $2.1 million for the mayoral race.
Recently Hogsett announced a $3 million program for summer jobs in Indianapolis for youth. He stated his plan would hire 1,000 teens for part-time jobs in 2016 with businesses and nonprofits providing funding, with the remainder of the cost coming from fundraising and grants.
“With no additional cost to taxpayers, our city has the capability to start a comprehensive summer jobs initiative next year that will give hundreds of young people job experience, useful skills, and productive alternatives to crime and gangs,” Hogsett said.
Larry Vaughn
Age: 59
Occupation: Glass contractor
Known as a public figure with a high profile during City-County Council meetings, Larry Vaughn states he is running for mayor because the government isn’t fiscally responsible. The Manual High School graduate commented, “We need to have a change in the city, so we can have new people in charge. The same old people are set in their ways and need to be shaken loose. We need a city that is more inviting,” said Vaughn.
A previous candidate for the Indianapolis School Board in 2012, Vaughn has many thoughts on today’s education system. In January, Vaughn attended a City-County Council meeting where he displayed a poster that compared school reform to gas chambers and ovens.
“I’ve been a member of this city for 58 years, I thoroughly enjoy the city but I want a hostile takeover of this city and put it back in the hands of the people because of what I see, I know we can do better,” he said.
Republican candidates
Jocelyn-Tandy Adande
Age: 66
Occupation: Notary public
As the only woman running for Indianapolis mayor, Jocelyn-Tandy Adande has run for various positions within Marion County over the past several years. The former Democrat has held a variety of volunteer positions in politics and has even helped manage a few.
“I am running for Indianapolis mayor because I am the only one that is a native born Indianapolis Hoosier, educated in the public school system, and have a degree in political science and public affairs at Indiana University,” said Adande.
In the past she has served as campaign manager for Dwayne Brown, the first Black statewide elected official, and as the minority affairs advisor for President Jimmy Carter’s reelection campaign. She has over 50 years of experience in community activism.
Adande’s agenda includes restoring relationships between police and citizens among other items.
Charles Brewer
Age: 43
Occupation: Business owner
Charles “Chuck” Brewer is an entrepreneur, small business owner and military veteran. Brewer was the first franchisee of the Chicago-based Potbelly Sandwich shop and is the current owner of Soupremacy in downtown Indianapolis. He has been named the top candidate for the Republican Party although many community leaders and residents question who Brewer really is. The newcomer to the city doesn’t seem to be well known but says he wants to make a difference.
“I’m not a politician. I’m a business guy, an entrepreneur, I’ve never run for mayor,” said Brewer. “I realize I’m an underdog, but I’m okay with that.”
With a military career spanning 23 years, Brewer said he has a very deep and rich education from the country’s best schools. He believes his past experience at a Fortune 500 company helps qualify him for the job.
Campaign reports show Brewer has $657,451 on hand of $671,730 raised. It is reported that Mayor Greg Ballard made a $400,000 contribution to Brewer’s campaign.
Terry Michael
Age: 51
Occupation: FC Tucker Realtor
Terry Michael, former trustee of Fall Creek Township and current real estate broker attempted to unseat 20-year State Sen. Beverly Gard, but lost by nearly 70 percent of the vote in the Republican primary. According to his Facebook page, he describes himself as “Fiscally conservative, socially unprejudiced and a 43+ year resident of the Indianapolis metro area.”
“After the recent fiasco of the RFRA, we need someone who can bring attention back to Indianapolis hospitality and inclusiveness. As an openly gay man, former minister and person with a disability, I can shine a new light to the office of mayor,” said Michael.
Darrell Morris
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired
Darrell Morris, a 35-year fire department veteran, has worked with all levels of government, which includes proposing and balancing budgets as chief officer and working with neighborhood organizations and businesses.
“I am running because I want to see Indianapolis continue to be a great place to live and maintain business. I believe crime and education are two of the highest priorities. Others are government obligations and debt reduction, city infrastructure repair, taxes and abatements, mass transit, arts and minority involvement,” said Morris.
In the past, Morris made unsuccessful bids for mayor and a seat on the City-County Council.
Lawrence Shouse
Age: n/a
Occupation: n/a
Little to no information was available about Lawrence Shouse. At Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper press time, Shouse’s campaign committee had not returned the publication’s phone calls.
