Candidate Q&A: Lafayette City Council, the unopposed races
Candidate Q&A: Lafayette City Council, the unopposed races
A candidate Q&A with candidates unopposed in Lafayette City Council Districts 1, 3, 5 and the three at-large seats.
Six of the nine seats on the Lafayette City Council have incumbents running unopposed in the Nov. 7 election.
They include: Republican Jerry Reynolds in District 1; Democrat Perry Brown in District 3; Democrat Melissa Weast-Williamson in District 5; and three Democrats – Kevin Klinker, Nancy Nargi and Steve Snyder – for the three citywide, at-large seats on the council.
Each was offered the chance to answer questions asked of candidates in contested races.
Here, the candidates discuss their approach to the four-year position.
For more: Find bios of each candidate, along with a city council district map and information about where and when to vote at the end of this article.
Why are you running?
Kevin Klinker, at-large: I stayed in Lafayette after graduating from Purdue because I love it here. I ran to make sure our city had opportunities for people to have high quality jobs and quality of life opportunities.
Nancy Nargi, at-large: I am a Purdue graduate and educator. I will work hard, listen and be responsive to your concerns. I am committed to strong neighborhoods, economic development, outstanding services, improving roads and city parks, and public safety.
Jerry Reynolds, District 1: Did not respond.
Perry Brown, District 3: Did not respond.
Melissa Weast-Williamson, District 5: Did not respond.
Steve Snyder, at-large: Did not respond.
How long have you lived in Lafayette? And how did you land in the city?
Kevin Klinker, at-large: I am a lifelong resident of Lafayette.
Nancy Nargi, at-large: I lived in West Lafayette from 1966-1970 and in Lafayette since 1973. I returned to Lafayette when my husband went to graduate school at Purdue.
Jerry Reynolds, District 1: Did not respond.
Perry Brown, District 3: Did not respond.
Melissa Weast-Williamson, District 5: Did not respond.
Steve Snyder, at-large: Did not respond.
Name two of your top priorities for the district. And how will you handle them?
Kevin Klinker, at-large: 1. Support Mayor Roswarski in making Lafayette a great place to live and work. This includes supporting our public safety officers and all city services. These include our professional police and firefighters, wonderful parks, timely and affordable snow and trash removal, and reliable water and sewage systems. 2. Continue efforts to attract the highest quality of jobs and housing possible.
Nancy Nargi, at-large: Public safety and affordable housing are my top priorities. With the opening of the new Public Safety building, our officers, through technology, will be able to spend more time on the street. The police and fire departments cannot solve this problem on their own. They need the help of neighborhoods, non-profits, schools and businesses. The police and fire departments have worked with these entities in the past and will continue in the future. Some examples are NAMI "Living Room," Mental Health America Crisis Hotline, D.A.R.E., Ride-Along, and Citizens Academy. It has been very difficult to find qualified candidates, so we are increasing the base salaries for police officers and firefighters. We are also adding personnel to assist those with mental health and addiction issues. My thoughts on affordable housing are answered in another question.
Jerry Reynolds, District 1: Did not respond.
Perry Brown, District 3: Did not respond.
Melissa Weast-Williamson, District 5: Did not respond.
Steve Snyder, at-large: Did not respond.
What do you see as the biggest challenge for the district? And how do you proposed to solve or deal with it?
Kevin Klinker, at-large: We have had significant success in many of our development endeavors as witnessed by the recent downtown investments and continued growth in our support for local industries. One improvement I am supporting is the recruitment to fully staff our police and fire departments. I voted for the proposed 8% raise and longevity incentives.
Nancy Nargi, at-large: I think the biggest challenge is public safety, which I addressed in the previous question.
Jerry Reynolds, District 1: Did not respond.
Perry Brown, District 3: Did not respond.
Melissa Weast-Williamson, District 5: Did not respond.
Steve Snyder, at-large: Did not respond.
How well do you think the city has handled issues of available and affordable housing? What is the most pressing issue related to housing and how would you address it?
Kevin Klinker, at-large: This is an ongoing and dynamic problem with many local and national factors that influence it. We have supported the many downtown condos and apartments that have helped ease the situation. We have additionally supported some very successful senior living projects. I support smart residential housing growth in areas where housing has been prioritized and the infrastructure has been made available. We should continue to support these developments as they are needed.
Nancy Nargi, at-large: I think the city does a good job on housing issues and finding funding for housing is the most pressing issue. It is important that the Lafayette Housing Authority continues its excellent job of administering the CDBG and HOME funds. The CDBG funds are used to provide decent housing and a suitable living environment for low and moderate income people. The HOME funds help the local community fund, often in partnership with local nonprofit groups, building, buying and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or ownership. They also provide direct rental assistance to low-income people through entities like Glasswater Creek, Habitat for Humanity, LTHC, Family Promise, LHA Tenant Based Rental Assistance, Owner Occupied Rehab (OOR), and the new collaboration with Area IV for affordable housing for 50 units for seniors.
Jerry Reynolds, District 1: Did not respond.
Perry Brown, District 3: Did not respond.
Melissa Weast-Williamson, District 5: Did not respond.
Steve Snyder, at-large: Did not respond.
What, if anything, should the city do about the Indiana Economic Development Corp.’s plans to build a water pipeline from Tippecanoe County to feed developments in Boone County and in communities along the 35-mile route?
Kevin Klinker, at-large: This is certainly a concern local public officials have been watching closely. There doesn’t appear to be a tremendous amount of information from the IEDC, and I hope that improves. I support a study and better communication from the IEDC to ensure the aquifers will recharge appropriately and not negatively impact our region and our ability to grow.
Nancy Nargi, at-large: At present there are no laws that regulate this situation, so it is important the we work with our legislators to address this problem, continue to have constant conversations with the IEDC, and encourage public input on this topic.
Jerry Reynolds, District 1: Did not respond.
Perry Brown, District 3: Did not respond.
Melissa Weast-Williamson, District 5: Did not respond.
Steve Snyder, at-large: Did not respond.
Rate how the current city administration has run and positioned Lafayette for the future. What changes, if any, would you like to see in the city’s focus?
Kevin Klinker, at-large: I fully support our Lafayette officials and give them high marks. I am proud of the the work they have done to position Lafayette for the future. I think appropriate investments in the future have been made in jobs, public safety, city services, parks, infrastructure and a growing commitment to green energy.
Nancy Nargi, at-large: The current city administration is doing an excellent job and is very forward thinking on preparing Lafayette for the future. The mayor has hired excellent department heads that work hard and make sure their department provides essential city services that improve the quality of life in Lafayette.
Jerry Reynolds, District 1: Did not respond.
Perry Brown, District 3: Did not respond.
Melissa Weast-Williamson, District 5: Did not respond.
Steve Snyder, at-large: Did not respond.
Name two specific things that separate you from your opponents and why they matter.
Kevin Klinker, at-large: Not opposed.
Nancy Nargi, at-large: N/A. Do not have an opponent.
Jerry Reynolds, District 1: Did not respond.
Perry Brown, District 3: Did not respond.
Melissa Weast-Williamson, District 5: Did not respond.
Steve Snyder, at-large: Did not respond.
Candidate bios
Kevin Klinker
Political party: Democratic
Age: 58
Occupation: Manufacturing Logistics and Supervision
Education: Purdue, Organizational Leadership and Supervision (Lafayette Jefferson High School)
Past elected positions, if any: 5 terms Lafayette City Council
Community boards or other community service: Lafayette Jeff Booster Club, Lafayette Jeff Golden Broncho Club, past president of Tippecanoe County Red Cross
Immediate family: 2 children
Your campaign site online: NA (Tippecanoe County Democrats)
Nancy Nargi
Political party: Democratic
Age: 75
Occupation: Retired public school teacher
Education: Purdue BS and MA
Past elected positions, if any: Currently on the Lafayette City Council
Community boards or other community service: Past member of the Lafayette Historic Preservation Board and Lafayette Police Merit Board; member of Central Presbyterian Church and have served as an Elder, Deacon, and Trustee; current Co-Chair of Historic Ninth St. Historic Neighborhood Association; lifetime member of ISTA (Indiana State Teacher's Association)
Immediate family: Husband, Lou Nargi
Your campaign site online: N/A
ABOUT THE NOV. 7 MUNICIPAL ELECTION
WHERE TO VOTE AHEAD OF NOV. 7: Early voting started Tuesday, Oct. 24. Here are the times and locations. Voters should bring a valid ID.
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24,-Friday, Oct. 27: Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette.
8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 28: Clarks Hill Christian Church, 9510 Pearl St., Clarks Hill.
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 30-Friday, Nov. 3: Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette
Noon-6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2-Friday, Nov. 3: West Lafayette City Hall, 222 N. Chauncey Ave.; Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette; First Church of the Nazarene, 3801 Union St., Lafayette.
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4: West Lafayette City Hall, 222 N. Chauncey Ave.; Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette; First Church of the Nazarene, 3801 Union St., Lafayette.
8 a.m.-noon Monday, Nov. 6: Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette.
ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACES: Polls will be open 6 a.m-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Registered voters in Tippecanoe County may use any vote center.
West Lafayette Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road
Faith West Community Center, 1920 Northwestern Ave.
West Lafayette City Hall, 222 N. Chauncey Ave.
Evangelical Covenant Church, 3600 S. Ninth St., Lafayette
Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette
Northend Community Center, 2000 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette
Christ United Methodist Church, 3610 S. 18th St., Lafayette
First Church of the Nazarene, 3801 Union St., Lafayette
Gathering Point Church, 7201 Wesleyan Drive, Dayton
ON THE NOV. 7 BALLOT: Get a full list of candidates here.
CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS AND THE CANDIDATES ON YOUR SPECIFIC BALLOT: Go to the Secretary of State’s portal at www.indianavoters.com.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING BASED IN LAFAYETTE, AN INDEPENDENT, LOCAL REPORTING PROJECT. FREE AND FULL-RIDE SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS ARE READY FOR YOU HERE.
Tips, story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com.