Voters in November will have more choices on the ballot than they’ve had in many recent elections, and that’s a good development for democracy.
Several candidates stepped up before last week’s deadline to fill ballot vacancies in county races, as The Republic’s Mark Webber reported.
Still, it looks like the sheriff’s race, which is traditionally among the most contested local elections, will be no race at all. Republican Chief Deputy Chris Lane is unopposed in his bid to succeed outgoing Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Meyers. Likewise, several other Republicans appear to have clear sailing. Bartholomew Circuit Court Judge Kelly Benjamin has no opponent, nor does county assessor Ginny Whipple. And Lindsey Holden-Kay, after winning the GOP primary to succeed Prosecutor Bill Nash, will be unopposed on the fall ballot.
They are the exceptions, however.
After Democrats had no contested party primary races in May, Bartholomew County Democratic Chairman Steve Schoettmer filled several open ballot slots before the deadline earlier this month, and an independent candidate also collected enough signatures to make the ballot. As a result, many county council, county commissioner and other county office races stand to be lively ahead of the Nov. 8 election.
Schoettmer selected Democrat Christopher “Chris” Sims to face off against longtime Bartholomew County Commissioner Carl Lienhoop, a Republican who represents the commissioners 2nd District, though commissioners are elected by voters countywide. Lienhoop’s is the only commissioner seat on the fall ballot this year.
That’s not the case for Bartholomew County Council, where four district seats will be on the ballot. All of them will be competitive in the fall, and two of these seats are already assured to be represented by new members.
After unseating council president Greg Duke in the Republican Council District 2 primary race, Leah Beyer will have a challenger in the fall — Democrat Paul Hoffman, who filled a ballot slot before the deadline. Also, after Greg Patterson unseated District 1 Councilman Scott Bonnell in the GOP primary, and he’ll challenge Democrat Joshua (Shua) Cobb, who was unopposed on the May primary ballot.
In the other council races, Republican incumbents Mark Gorbett and Jorge (George) Morales in districts 3 and 4 will face, respectively, Democrats Blake Wesley Fields and Josh Burbrink.
Now that November ballots are finalized, with the exception of school board races, several Republican officeholders also will face challengers in November. Among them:
- Auditor Pia O’Connor will face Democrat Sharon K. Persley.
- Clerk Shari J. Lentz will be challenged by Democrat Quisha Jackson.
- Recorder Tami L. Hines will run against Democrat Jacob Thayer Lashley.
- Treasurer Barbara (Barb) J. Hackman will be challenged by Democrat Jessica Hendry and independent Tom Heller.
Of course, there are higher-profile congressional and state legislative races at the top of the ballot, and those stand to be competitive too. But it’s refreshing to see that voters will have ample choices up and down the ballot, because the adage is true — all politics is local. It’s up to you to vote for the people you believe will best represent our community. The more choice the better.
