Candidate Q&A: Jeff Locke

Jeff Locke is running for Common Council District 5 in Richmond, Indiana as a Democrat 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: As I’m running for re-election I have dedicated my life to public service. Over 39 years in law enforcement and 39 years serving my community through Lions Club International and other Civic and Fraternal organizations. Serving on the City Council is another extension of my community service.

Priorities: I would like to see the downtown revitalized. Restaurants, housing, etc. I would like to see us complete projects on upgrading some of our city department buildings. The City Garage is outdated as are several other structures. Quality of life factors. Parks, recreation, cleaning up blighted neighborhoods.

Skills: As a Council Member now, when residents reach out to me, I make the effort to go visit and observe the problem they have brought to my attention so I can see it first hand, be it weeds, potholes etc.That way I can refer the problem to the proper city department. I’m willing to listen to any and all residents about their concerns. I have been contacted by residents of other Council districts and work for them as well.

Working well: I firmly believe that even though the Council is made up of members of both major political parties, you don’t hear us at meetings say “This is a Democrat idea or this is a Republican idea”. All Nine of us work for the betterment of Richmond. I hope that will always be the norm.

Needs changing: The public at large needs to get more involved. Many times issues come before Council and we don’t hear from the constituents unless it is a “hot button” item. I would like to see more involvement from our citizens.

Accepting results: Not a problem. While I hope to be re-elected, if I lose, it’s not the end of the world.

Involving residents: As a member of Council, my name, phone number and e-mail are all listed on the Council’s page of the city website. I hope residents would take advantage of that source. Other ways would be my willingness to speak with neighborhood groups, be it schools, churches or other organizations if requested to appear before them. Politics on a national level has installed apathy, be it voting, or getting involved. Local elections do not create much excitement. Wish I had the answer to the $64,000 question. It will take all of us, elected officials and citizens alike to generate participation.

$5 million: I believe the logical thing to do would be to study the current needs of the city at the time and then determine the best uses of the grant funds.

Other: As a member of Council I have served on the City Finance Committee and on the RP&L Finance Committee for the last seven years.

I’m also the Council’s appointee to the Richmond Urban Enterprise Association Board for the last eight years and have served as President for seven years. It’s an honor and privilege to serve on the Richmond Common Council representing District 5. I hope my experience will lead our voters to return me to Council for the next term.