Name: Bob Carrell
Age: 54
Party: Republican
Office sought: Cumberland Town Council District 4
Occupation: Senior project manager, T&W Corp.
Political experience: None
Family: Wife, Sharon; four children, one grandchild
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for office because I believe our founders intended average citizens to take their part in making our country and local governments work. In the 14 years my family has lived in Cumberland, we’ve seen changes from Indianapolis slowly push their way east, and we want our neighborhoods to have a say in how change impacts our home town. This is my community. I’m motivated to serve the interests of the entire town — for all of my friends and neighbors.
How are you qualified?
My qualifications are pretty simple. I’m not a career politician. That’s important. For over 30 years, I’ve worked in commercial contracting and management, developing long-term relationships with business owners, developers, architects, engineers and agencies in Marion/Hancock counties. I’m experienced where commercial, private and government interests meet. I’ve learned how to navigate that environment, and I believe I can bring that experience and know-how to Cumberland.
What are the most pressing issues facing Cumberland?
Provide our police officers with the best tools for their safety and the resources to attract and retain the best talent.
Ordinances and enforcement that keeps our neighborhoods safe and attractive.
It’s critical we don’t spend money we don’t have, account for the money we do spend, and exhaust all opportunities for grants to keep tax rates down in our community.
Holding commercial developers accountable to build to high standards with the type of projects our community desires.
Controls on development and extensive master planning to prevent unwanted developments of substandard housing and industrial warehousing.
How can the town responsibly handle the growth it’s experiencing?
Cumberland can responsibly handle growth by residents, like my neighbor and I, getting involved and taking an active role in shaping the town’s future. With fiscal responsibility, robust infrastructure and a sound plan, Cumberland can attract the families and businesses we want for stable, sustainable growth. Together we can build a better Cumberland.
