North Vernon’s registered voters will choose on Nov. 5 the person who will set the city’s vision the next four years.
Mayor Mike Ochs, a Republican, is seeking a second term. He is being challenged by Colleen Malone, a Democrat.
During his first term, Ochs helped North Vernon become the first city in Indiana to convert all city property to solar energy. He also has led campaigns to bring new business and industry to the city.
Malone, a former chaplain at St. Vincent Jennings Hospital, has been involved in several programs to help economically challenged citizens, and helped established a homeless shelter in North Vernon.
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Both candidates took time to answer two questions regarding their candidacy.
Q: What do you feel is the greatest challenge facing the city of North Vernon in 2020 and, if you are elected mayor, how do you plan to meet that challenge?
Ochs: “I see the greatest challenge is to continue bringing in additional higher paying jobs and to bring in homes for those that will be staying in North Vernon and enjoying our hometown lifestyle. I plan to continue meeting those challenges by working with the great team of public servants and volunteers we have brought together during my first term as mayor.”
Malone: “I believe the greatest challenge facing the city of North Vernon is keeping the needs of the city’s residents at the heart of all business the city conducts.
“One underlying issue that keeps cropping up as I talk with city residents is that people do not feel that their voices are heard or their needs and wants factored into city decisions.
“(They ask) Why are the water bills so high? Why are we spending so much on a golf course? How are we going to use the new park? Why was the new water park located at one of the business traffic areas in town? How much money has been generated or saved by the new solar panels? What’s going on with the rock quarry and our future drinking water supply? Who holds the city departments accountable?
“For me, everything boils down to good, effective communication. This includes explaining what we are doing and why, seeking and and incorporating feedback, giving public and transparent evaluations of all major projects and initiatives that impact residents’ lives. And a major component of good communications is listening. Genuinely allowing people to voice their opinions and then factoring valid and constructive feedback into city projects.
“I love the city of North Vernon and have chosen to make it my home. Serving its people has been one of the major motivations in my life.”
Q: What life-experience has best prepared you to serve as North Vernon’s mayor?
Malone: “I have lived a unique life of education and public service. I have Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees, and also have completed a … program in clinical pastoral education. I believe that one of my unique qualifications is that is that my personal experience has made me curious and a lifelong learner. I enjoy new challenges and am able to learn new processes. And I listen. I am able to listen and incorporate new learning.
“Another key personality trait is that I am accessible. I try to maintain a nonjudgmental attitude, and I allow people to share their pain, challenges and needs. I believe that having a mayor who is available to constituents to hear them out is essential.
“I have tenacity, drive, commitment and a passionate involvement with this city I love.”
Ochs: “Having spent many years in public service, the last four years have greatly enhanced my knowledge. I have met new people who volunteer. I have met great people who are employed by the city. I have learned more about the businesses and vendors that help make this city great. North Vernon has always been my hometown, but now I have an even better understanding of what makes our city wonderful, a truly Stellar City.
“Committee meetings are necessary for learning about the activities of the different city departments. But, listening to my friends in a store, a coffee shop or at church helps me see opportunities to improve our quality of life in North Vernon. Stop me, talk to me. I listen.”
