Candidate Q&A: David Carpenter

David Carpenter is running for Mayor of Richmond, Indiana as an independent candidate in the 2023 general election.

2023 Election Guide

The Western Wayne News asked candidates in contested races for the Nov. 7 general election the same nine questions.

1. What are two specific reasons you decided to run for this office? (100 words or less.)
2. If elected/re-elected, what are your top three priorities for your time in office? (150 words or less.)
3. What are two specific skills you would bring to the office to benefit constituents, if elected/re-elected? (100 words or less.)
4. What’s one aspect of the government body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think is working well and should continue? (100 words or less.)
5. What’s one aspect of the body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think needs to change, and what specific action(s) would you pursue to change it? (100 words or less.)
6. Will you accept the results of the election process even if you are not elected/re-elected? (50 words or less.)
7. Beyond encouraging attendance at public meetings, how do you plan to involve residents in decision making processes that the office you seek is a part of? (100 words or less.)
8. If you received a $5 million grant to improve our community any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? (150 words or less.)
9. Any other comments you’d like to share about your candidacy? (150 words or less.)

Candidates were given a month’s time to respond with a firm deadline. We share their answers, unedited from their original form, here and in our print editions.

For full election coverage, visit the Western Wayne News 2023 Election Guide.

Reasons: I chose to run for Mayor because Richmond is falling apart. I want to restore this city to how it was years ago. The second reason is just like the saying, if you want something done right, you must do it yourself.

Priorities: My top 3 priorities are to focus on crime, schools, and add revenue to the city budget.

Skills: My communication skills and my willingness to work with everyone to accomplish to needs of the community. For example when there was snow on the Richmond Avenue Bridge a foot high, it was causing pedestrians to walk in the road. I got my snow shovel and went to the bridge and shoveled 2000 feet of sidewalk to make it safer for our citizens.

Working well: Helping small businesses grow and develop. They are a vital part of our community, along with bringing new jobs to Richmond.

Needs changing: I want to bring complete transparency and accountability to our community for any circumstances that may arise. The Mayor has to be a public servant who is willing to admit any wrongdoing they are responsible for and to always keep their promises to the citizens who voted for them. I will tell the truth at all times and hold myself accountable for my actions.

Accepting results: If I don’t win the election, I will congratulate the winner. I will respect the decision make by the voter of who they choose to be the next Mayor of Richmond Indiana.

Involving residents: As of now, the city council voted on an issue, then the Mayor can reject it. Then the city council can revote and override the Mayor’s decision. I think if the Mayor voted no on an issue, the citizens should have the final vote. Because after all the choices made will effect the lives of the community.

$5 million: I would reach out to the citizens to determine the best way to use the 5 million dollars. I want to make decisions with the community, not for them. By the people, for the people.

Other: I’m most know for being the batman of Richmond. In 2020, I gave away 100s of dollars worth of toilet paper for free to help those who could not find it in stores. When it was 40 degrees below zero, me and another volunteer saved 8 people from the cold weather. I have walked around picking up trash to make our city look better. I’m a compassionate person with a good heart. I’m willing to go above and beyond the expectations of Richmond Indiana. I want to help make Richmond a better place to live. If you are willing to give me the opportunity, I will do everything I can to improve our city. The children are of future and I want to create places for them that will have a positive impact on their lives.