Candidate Q&A: Gary Cole

Gary Cole is running for Cambridge City, Indiana Town Council, District 5 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 am an active retiree from the field of education and a proud native of Cambridge City. I returned here because I see potential in this small town environment. We can maintain our important heritage while growing and adjusting to the times. There is an impetus for growth and change right now and I want to help move that forward, faster.

Priorities: Blight is a huge problem and there are ordinances on the books that we seem to be slow to use. I’m aware it is a complicated issue; however, I have some ideas and would like to help Council become more proactive In these efforts. We can look to communities who have seen success at dealing with absentee and neglectful landlords, burned out and abandoned homes, vacant properties and other related Issues. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel but we need to learn and be proactive.

Annexation — I want to study this, but in order to grow we must look for additional revenues for the town. My initial understanding is we are already providing services to several properties that are not considered within town limits. There are positive and negative impacts that I wish to delve into and learn more about, but we are an older community and must find (answer exceeded word limit).

Skills: As an educator and lifelong learner, with two degrees from Ball State, I know the importance of studying the issues to be informed about decisions. I also recognize the impact my decisions will have on every community member and will take that seriously.

Working well: The most recent comprehensive plan is just now beginning to be utilized and I want to continue the momentum in following this. There were community-generated ideas and it was an expensive process to have this plan developed. It’s a good plan and should be considered in every decision we make.

Accepting results: Yes. It’s interesting that we even have to ask this question.

Involving residents: I believe the public should have an opportunity to comment on things being discussed by the Board. We need to look at the structure of our meetings to determine how to engage the community, so they feel their opinions are valued and important.

$5 million: We have a housing shortage which could be addressed by purchasing and renovating these historic homes — many of which are blighted — to preserve the town’s heritage and Main Street. We could even create a housing program for these home buyers.

We need to capture the lost opportunity of many downtown buildings which are either under-utilized or not utilized. There are upper floors which could be restored to use as businesses or creative nonprofits.

Other: Town Council has good people who have served the community with diligence. But it is time for a change and local elections are important. Please go to the polls in November and consider voting for me. I pledge to work hard and make a difference for you.