John Ditslear - R

www.johnditslear.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/JohnDitslearforCouncil
Email info@johnditslear.com

Occupation:  Former Mayor of Noblesville
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Public Service Experience:
  • Noblesville Mayor for 16 years
  • Precinct Committeeman
  • Former President of Noblesville Chamber of Commerce
  • Noblesville School Board member for 12 years
  • Navy veteran
 
Policy Positions:
  1. What is (should be) the county’s role in economic and workforce development?

    The county’s role in economic development should be to act as a support for the overall direction for our cities and towns. Our cities each have their own unique atmospheres and goals, and they should be enabled to pursue economic development in the way that makes the most sense for each community. Workforce development should also be supported through the county through a comprehensive plan that requires cooperation with the cities and towns and with the state of Indiana.

  2. Where are opportunities for deeper cooperation and collaboration between the County and our Cities?

    There is always room to learn more about each of our communities within Hamilton County. The Council’s responsibility is to be open and knowledgeable about all areas of our county. By working together to develop in-depth plans for each community, the Council can act as a better support not only in the immediate future, but also long term.

  3. As our cities become more urban and their needs evolve, how should the County’s role evolve to meet these needs:

    The biggest need for our growing cities is to maintain infrastructure in a way that allows people to still travel quickly in our county. Specifically, we should look into expanding our possibilities for East / West travel and bridges across the White River.

  4. What is your vision for our northern communities of Sheridan, Cicero, and Arcadia?  What is the County’s role in the growth and diversification of these communities?

    The County’s role should be to ask and see what their own visions are for their communities, and find a way to support them. Each community in our County is different and prefer to have different levels of growth and development. By talking to these communities and providing necessities to meet these visions, we can help our Northern communities thrive.

  5. How would you characterize/prioritize the role of the County in public safety?

    Again, the county should be able to provide support for each of our communities. One of these supports may include a central training facility for first-responders so they can receive the best training and resources possible. The County can also provide specialized training and equipment to be used across the county instead of forcing each individual department to invest in their own specialized equipment.

  6. What are your top three infrastructure priorities?  How can the County best support our cities and towns with their infrastructure needs?

    1. East / West roads across the county and bridges across the White River.
    2. Continue to be creative about finding drainage solutions within the county
    3. Find ways to improve SR-37 and maintain strict financial transparency with the public.

  7. Many Hamilton County residents are unfamiliar with the role of County Council. Statutorily County Council primary role is the appropriating body. How can this responsibility be best used to continue the advancement of the county and each of our cities and towns?

    The County Council acts as a part of the checks and balances of county government. The role of appropriating funds is critical to the county, and increased communication and cooperation with the County Commissioners and local cities and towns will only make the County Council more efficient and productive. We have the opportunity to continue the advancement of our cities and towns by working together to create a more efficient and productive planning process.