Candidate Q&A: West Lafayette City Council at large
A candidate Q&A with five candidates running for three seats on the West Lafayette City Council.
Democrat incumbents James Blanco and David Sanders are on the Nov. 7 ballot with Democrat Iris O’Donnell Bellisario and Republicans Patrick Flannelly and Brian Russell for three at-large seats on the West Lafayette City Council.
At-large seats on the council are elected by voters across the city.
Early voting started Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Here, the candidates discuss their approach to the four-year position.
For more: Find bios of each candidate and information about where and when to vote at the end of this article.
Why are you running?
Iris O’Donnell Bellisario: I am running for office because West Lafayette is my home. I bought my first house here and am so proud to set down roots in such a dynamic town. I love how dynamic and neighborly people are. We are a community that looks out for each other. Our society faces complex challenges, and my mentor, Mayor John Dennis, inspired me to realize that local change is the answer to our complex global issues. I am running because I want to support the growth of our community. I want to inspire future leaders and develop sustainable solutions to our town’s pressing issues and to do so by involving perspectives from all segments of our population.
James Blanco: I'm running for a second term to continue to be a voice for many who often go unrepresented in politics and government, the working people and renters.
Patrick Flannelly: After serving our community for 27 years in law enforcement, with the last 10 years as chief of police, I want to continue serving by bringing my leadership experience to our city council. My proven track record of managing complex situations, promoting community safety and building solid partnerships makes me an ideal candidate to help our city navigate volatile, uncertain and difficult challenges. I have experience in budget management that ensures fiscal responsibility and have demonstrated a commitment to accountability and transparency that fosters trust. Most importantly, as a lifelong resident of our community, I deeply understand our local issues gained through years of service and from the relationships across all spectrums that I have worked hard to build and maintain. This knowledge and background have prepared me to make thoughtful and informed decisions that address the unique needs of West Lafayette.
Brian Russell: I care about this community and want to see it continue to be successful for my children and their children. I’d like to make sure the council has a balanced set of opinions and voices.
David Sanders: I believe in public service. My principles include government transparency, responsiveness and accountability. I answer every message I receive from constituents. When someone has a concern in the city, they know that they can contact me, and I will see that it is addressed. Virtually all of the legislation that I sponsor is citizen-initiated. I hold a monthly Meet Your Councilor meeting at City Hall. I have striven to protect privacy rights. My record on promoting diversity and social justice and protecting the interests of the underprivileged is clear. Ensuring that taxpayer funds are spent wisely is a priority.
How long have you lived in West Lafayette? And how did you land in the city?
Iris O’Donnell Bellisario: I moved to West Lafayette in high school while my mom was pursuing her doctorate at Purdue University. I’ve lived in West Lafayette for around 10 years. I fell in love with this city and began working with the city council and mayor on addressing climate change. My family has settled here and having just bought my first house, so have I.
James Blanco: I've lived here for nine years. I came to West Lafayette as a Purdue student, then ended up getting involved in the community and discovering how wonderful a community it is.
Patrick Flannelly: My parents, Frank and Rita Flannelly, moved our family of 10 (four brothers/four sisters) to Indiana from West Chester, Pennsylvania, in December of 1976. I was 9 years old and in the third grade. My first experience living in Indiana was the famous blizzard that delayed my new start at Cumberland Elementary for a few weeks. I graduated from West Lafayette High School in 1986 and spent four years in the U.S. Air Force serving in the Security Police. In 1990, I returned and attended Purdue University, graduating in December 1992. While at Purdue, I bartended at Harry's Chocolate Shop and managed The Pub Restaurant before beginning my career with the Lafayette Police Department in 1995.
Brian Russell: I was born here! I’ve lived here for three-quarters of my life with a brief stint in California and Oregon.
David Sanders: I have lived in West Lafayette for 28 years. I came here with my boys, who all attended the West Lafayette public schools, and my now deceased wife, Mimi Hasson, because we were offered two positions in the Structural Biology group at Purdue University.
Name two of your top priorities for the district. And how will you handle them?
Iris O’Donnell Bellisario: West Lafayette, our community, is strong, resilient and full of potential. By addressing the issues of housing and water supply and safety head-on, we can ensure that our city remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I ask for your trust and your vote, and together, we will build a brighter future for West Lafayette, one that is inclusive, sustainable and prosperous for all.
But it's not just about infrastructure; it's about environmental stewardship. Climate change poses a growing threat to our water supply, and we must act decisively to protect it. I am committed to working with environmental experts and engaging the community to implement sustainable practices that conserve water and reduce pollution.
James Blanco: Opposing the LEAP Project and addressing the issue of Airbnbs. I plan to help organize with various groups in opposition to LEAP, regardless of political affiliation. On the issue of Airbnbs, I plan to work with the incoming administration and city staff to develop a path forward that protects the integrity of our neighborhoods and schools.
Patrick Flannelly: As a city council at-large representative, I will prioritize bringing my proven leadership and public service experience to all aspects of our city government. Public safety will be a top priority, ensuring that we have highly competent and trained personnel, which requires a commitment to funding and staffing. There is a critical staffing shortage of public safety personnel nationwide, and Indiana is no exception. We must invest to ensure the future is safe and secure by providing competitive wages, benefits, training and equipment. As a member of the West Lafayette Parks Board for 12 years, we prioritized the growth and quality of outdoor spaces, including our trail system. These amenities are wanted, appreciated and well-utilized by our community. Green space is essential to encouraging a focus on wellness and positive growth within West Lafayette. We must continue investing in our parks and community amenities, which is why I served on the Parks Board. But today, the biggest challenge for our city is related to our natural resources, particularly water. A positive solution will require an all-hands-on-deck approach to protecting our water. My ability to work with a diverse group of leaders in our community and at the state level will enhance the partnership for the city. As chief, I chaired the legislative committee for the Indiana Chiefs Association. I worked extensively at the Indiana Statehouse with legislators from around the state on issues affecting public safety.
Brian Russell: 1. Addressing housing issues. As a realtor, our lack of homes is an issue I see facing people every day. We need more homes at all price levels. Also, Airbnbs have become an urgent issue for many citizens, and we need to address this issue head-on and sooner rather than later. 2. Sustainable growth. This is related to housing, but goes beyond it. We need to continue to maintain a healthy relationship with Purdue. We need to redevelop the Levee. We need to invest in our city employees. We need to discuss how the city should address growth at its edges and at its core. Having leadership with a vision and a plan is essential to growing in a sustainable manner. I believe I can be an asset in that process.
David Sanders: As a long-term resident, I believe we need to balance growth with preservation of neighborhoods. Development must be conducted in a sustainable manner. We need to address climate change and complete product life cycles with more effective recycling and composting and a reduction in single-use objects.
What do you see as the biggest challenge for the district? And how do you proposed to solve or deal with it?
Iris O’Donnell Bellisario: Affordable housing is not just a policy issue; it's a moral imperative. It's about ensuring that every family, every individual, regardless of their background or income level, has the opportunity to build a safe and stable life right here in West Lafayette. We are proud of our diversity, and we must ensure that our community remains accessible to all.
James Blanco: Making sure our community continues to provide the opportunities for people who want to live here, without pushing out those who already do. Many I’ve talked to at the doorstep have mentioned how nervous they are that they won’t be able to continue living here if housing prices continue to soar at the rate they currently are. The inflow of good-paying jobs we’re seeing is a welcome development, but we still need to have a place for retail workers to afford to live. I want to see more housing being built but also ensure that we don’t simply replace older buildings with places our residents can’t afford. To this end, I support planned developments with affordable units included.
Patrick Flannelly: The city's biggest challenge is the LEAP Project's proposed water pipeline diverting water from the Wabash and Teays aquifers to Lebanon. This project has many unknowns and concerns, beginning with the lack of transparency and the exclusion of local government in the planning process. This lack of inclusiveness of all critical stakeholders has led to a severe crisis of trust. There is an opportunity to build bi-partisan support for ensuring the city of West Lafayette and the residents of Tippecanoe County have an equitable stake in developing the future direction of this project. This issue is galvanizing our residents and raising awareness about our lack of legislative protections regarding water and natural resource protection and security. I will influence the prospect that we can be a state leader in driving new legislation protecting our water, environment and future. We must investigate all potential remedies, including legal and legislative actions, that can mitigate short-term damage and protect us down the road. Our community leaders need to work together and be proactive in our involvement for the benefit of the city.
Brian Russell: I’m beginning to sound like a broken record … Housing. Housing. Housing. It all starts with homes. We need places for people of all income brackets to live, whether it’s for purchasing or for renting. Without a safe, affordable home, people can’t focus on their work. As we increase our housing inventory, we will see the supply-side pressure on prices soften, which will help with affordability. Demand to live in a great community is good problem to have! From a city council POV, we need to be working with other state and local officials to create the proper zoning and to provide incentives to get homes built at all levels of affordability.
David Sanders: Maintaining a vibrant, safe, culturally rich and diverse and welcoming community with high-quality schools that is committed to sustainability is our biggest challenge. I have a consistent record of sponsoring and supporting legislation towards achieving this goal, and I will continue to work towards it with members of the community, my fellow city councilors and the city administration.
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?
Iris O’Donnell Bellisario: To tackle this issue, I propose a comprehensive approach. We need to work hand in hand with local developers, nonprofits and community organizations to increase the supply of affordable housing. We should explore innovative solutions, such as mixed-income housing developments, to ensure that as our city grows, it remains inclusive. We must also review zoning regulations and promote smart urban planning to make housing more accessible without compromising the unique character of our neighborhoods.
James Blanco: There’s work to be done. Within the scope of our authority we’re working on it. The shortage of housing, especially affordable housing in the area nearest to Purdue, is the most pressing issue by far. I support measures to increase housing density near campus through planned developments while requiring at least some of the new housing be genuinely affordable. Additionally, I support zoning reform to allow homeowners in certain neighborhoods to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to allow for immediately affordable places to live.
Patrick Flannelly: Our community is experiencing record growth in enrollment at Purdue University and an increasing number of job opportunities due to a robust local economy. If we don't want to stagnate growth, we must respond by approving more housing units. We must work closely with Purdue, employers, and developers to create sustainable growth plans.
Competition in the housing market contributes to affordability by encouraging lower prices, higher-quality properties and better overall housing options. Additionally, competition motivates property owners, developers and landlords to offer improved services. High demand and limited availability can lead to rising housing costs, creating challenges in enforcing occupancy regulations and identifying problem landlords. Another issue that needs addressing is short-term housing. Clearly, our community wants these issues addressed, and there are good reasons to do so. One reason is safety; another is limited housing availability for families with school-aged children in our school district. Several ways to address this issue include limiting the number of permits issued in specified city areas. We also need to ensure that any municipal code has a plan for accountability and enforcement.
Planned developments with high-density housing offer an opportunity to improve workforce accessibility, ensuring employees can live near workplaces, which can reduce commuting time and related expenses and combat urban sprawl.
We must continue to focus on this because it affects many aspects of our community's quality of life. Accessible, affordable housing can assist in attracting a diverse range of talent, particularly for businesses that offer high-wage employment. A stable living environment for lower-income individuals can provide more opportunities to improve their economic situation, offering upward mobility.
Brian Russell: (I was reading these questions one at a time and that appears to have been a mistake!) See above!
David Sanders: I have been a leader in working to ensure that Purdue University consults with the city, so that it can act as a trustworthy partner with the community. The lack of affordable housing is a product of an absence of firm commitments by Purdue University about student-population size. Development should include below market-rate housing. We should encourage efforts to retain residential stock for residents and discourage conversion of residences to transient rental properties. Large-scale construction should utilize sustainable materials that can be readily reused when the building lifespan has been reached.
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?
Iris O’Donnell Bellisario: Water is the lifeblood of our community, and ensuring a clean, reliable and safe supply is non-negotiable. We've seen the consequences of water crises in other parts of the country, and we cannot afford to be complacent. The water pipeline proposal from the IEDC is an increasingly concerning development. The city should work to express their disapproval of this development and work to negotiate with the IEDC, taking into consideration the limitations within what is in the cities purview.
To safeguard our water supply, I pledge to invest in modernizing our water infrastructure. This means repairing and upgrading our aging pipelines, improving water treatment facilities and embracing sustainable practices to protect our water sources. Furthermore, we must be vigilant in monitoring water quality, ensuring that our residents have access to safe drinking water.
James Blanco: I'm opposed to the project. The concerns throughout the community, voiced so well at the September public meeting, are genuine, and it’s obvious how little the IEDC has even attempted to reach out to those affected. Because of this, I'm proud to have cosponsored Resolution 22-2023, which publicly states our community’s opposition to the project. It passed unanimously at our October council meeting. Additionally, I will support organizing efforts to oppose the project.
Patrick Flannelly: Balancing the rights of local control, long-term water security and economic prosperity is a complex challenge. Water, in particular, is the most valuable resource any community must have and protect. We need transparent, collaborative decision-making that respects the principles of democracy and harnesses economic opportunities for our community. We must safeguard our residents' interests while balancing them against the potential benefits of this project for the community, state and nation.
We must continue to insist on a third-party, comprehensive environmental impact assessment and hydrological studies to determine the potential effects of this proposed pipeline project. Currently, we don't have enough, if any, good information to make decisions. Concurrently, we must insist that our state representatives complete legislation establishing regulatory guidelines for Indiana that will protect our natural resources and provide independent oversight of any public or private project requiring water access.
Just like in my experience as a police officer, sometimes cases unfold unexpectedly; the important thing is to remember that there is always a way. We must keep working on the problem. Our community has some of the best and brightest minds in the world; we will find a solution.
Brian Russell: I applaud the current council for their resolution opposing the pipeline. If I was elected, I would have voted in favor of the resolution, as well. We need to do everything in our power to slow this process down so that we can get as much information about the water supply as possible. I’m not sure if the city can ACTUALLY stop it, short of people chaining themselves to the pipe. Do we have the authority to halt construction? Would a cease and desist work? I don’t know. What I know is that determining the amount of water in an aquifer seems, at best, to simply be an educated guess, and if the calculations are off, it could have DISASTEROUS consequences to our community. To me, that means we need to slow the process down and make sure the data is as accurate as possible. An IEDC-sponsored study seems like the tobacco growers providing a study that cigarettes don’t cause cancer, i.e. self-serving.
David Sanders: I have been a leading the opposition to the pipeline project, which is designed to remove tens of millions of gallons of water from the Wabash/Teays River aquifer and transfer it for industrial use in the LEAP district in Boone County. It is a good illustration of how I engage in public service. I solicited input from the community. It was evident that opposition covered the entire political spectrum — this is true of many of the positions for which I have advocated. I was supplied with many suggestions and documents and conducted extensive research using my skills a scientist. I authored a resolution declaring the opposition of the West Lafayette City Council to the pipeline focusing on the lack of foresight in the project, its secrecy and the harmful effects on Tippecanoe County. I found a cosponsor for the resolution and discussed it extensively with Mayor John Dennis and future Mayor Erin Easter with both of whom I consult on a regular basis. A citizen at our city council made a good suggestion for an amendment to the resolution, and I moved that we adopt it. The amended resolution was passed unanimously.
Rate the city’s relationship with Purdue. What, if anything, should be or could be done to improve it?
Iris O’Donnell Bellisario: Purdue University should actively engage with the city to understand the impact on the growing student population with our housing accessibility. In order to effectively address our housing crisis, we can forge collaborative partnerships with private industry, Purdue University and our municipal resources. It’s crucial that Purdue takes a strong role in this process.
James Blanco: It’s improving. I’m happy to see Purdue stepping up to build more on-campus housing, given their growing enrollment numbers. As for the city, I believe we’re doing our best to work with them.
Patrick Flannelly: The relationship between the city of West Lafayette and Purdue University should be evaluated from the lens of what has been accomplished. When assessing from that perspective, it is effective. Over the past decade, both the city of West Lafayette and Purdue have grown tremendously. This synergy of success has increased pressure on housing availability, driving up property values and attracting worker talent. This is an excellent problem to have, and it is manageable through effective communication and transparency. As a community, we need to lean into this success and demand that our local leaders and those from Purdue continue communicating with each other. Over the next few months, we will have new leadership in the mayor's office, working with our new president at Purdue. All city leaders are accountable for continuing our strong and positive working relationship, so an important focus of mine will be to ensure we have open lines of communication with our partners at Purdue and ensure constructive dialogue is our priority.
Brian Russell: I’d rate the relationship that John Dennis and Mitch Daniels created as a 9/10. Not perfect, but really good. I think with two new players, Erin Easter and Mung Chiang, and the uncertainty that comes with a changing of the guard, I might downgrade that to an 8/10. I like Purdue. I support Purdue. Purdue has helped shape West Lafayette in a BIG way. Is Purdue perfect? No, but neither is the city or anyone for that matter. There are challenges, of course, with students. They like to party. They don’t think about their neighbors. They are 18- to 21-year-olds who are still figuring out life. There are people who don’t like the way Purdue, as an organization, runs for a variety of reasons. They may have issues with a specific professor or a certain department, but that’s just part of dealing with a LARGE organization. I believe as long as people from the city and representatives of Purdue are coming to the table genuinely looking for solutions to the cornucopia of issues that arise, and will continue to come up, we can continue to have a healthy relationship into the future.
David Sanders: It is clear that the presence of Purdue University in West Lafayette is a tremendous asset. Nevertheless, the city council needs to make it clear that we are here to serve the interests of the community as a whole and that Purdue University has to contribute to the wellbeing of West Lafayette. A good example is the problem with electric bicycles and scooters. Purdue University should not be a promoter and defender of a vehicle company whose products create so many hazards on our sidewalks. In general, the leaders of Purdue University need to be more transparent in their actions, because of their impact on the city of West Lafayette.
West Lafayette will have a new mayor for the first time in 16 years? What changes, if any, would you like to see in the city’s focus?
Iris O’Donnell Bellisario: I have really appreciated the ability to regularly speak with our city leadership as a resident and community member. I hope that city leadership continues to prioritize transparent communication, accessibility to the public and willingness to connect with community members.
James Blanco: I hope to see a strong focus on housing, both quality and quantity available. I'm looking forward to working with future Mayor Erin Easter, as I've worked with Mayor John Dennis.
Patrick Flannelly: While we should always welcome any investor interest, incentivizing local investment would be beneficial, and that is an area where I believe we can emphasize. People who live and work in our community will inherently provide good stewardship of our talent and resources, and that reinvestment can help create future stability. Regarding growth, a continued emphasis on plans involving infrastructure and the ability to grow into the future without creating costly rebuilds in things like roads, bridges and wastewater projects is always prudent. One of the complaints I have received from the community is the delay during and timing of road projects. Sometimes, these projects run into delays outside our control, but we must also hold contractors accountable for construction timelines.
Brian Russell: I met with Erin a few weeks ago and walked away a fan. I think she is smart, focused, capable and is a great leader to follow John. I think her experience in the development department and her understanding of how a city needs to grow and operate ECONOMICALLY is key to the continued success of West Lafayette. I think the city’s focus has been pretty good overall, with the exception of some tangential resolutions drawn up by the council. If we can keep majoring on the majors and avoid distracting ourselves with minor issues, we’ll continue to do well as a city.
David Sanders: I have worked together with Mayor Dennis on many issues during my time on the council, including recently on a transient housing ordinance. I already speak regularly with Erin Easter, our future mayor. I made it a point to meet with each of the department heads to understand the operations of their groups and the challenges that they face. I am also in regular communication with the Chief of Police. I believe in the council continuing to play both a supervisory and a monitoring role for city actions and amplifying the voices of constituents when they express their concerns.
Name two specific things that separate you from your opponents and why they matter.
Iris O’Donnell Bellisario: I have proven that I care about the issues important to West Lafayette, and I believe in working respectfully and cooperatively with stakeholders to positively impact the West Lafayette community. I have a standing practice of transparent communication, listening and being able to work with a diverse community. As a young woman for change, I’ll bring about a new generation of leadership for our city to help support the growth of our community. I have shown my commitment to protecting the environment, civic engagement and public service in Indiana.
James Blanco: I'm a renter, so I have a deep understanding of our need for housing affordability and accessibility. I've faced these issues myself, so you can count on me to do everything in my power to help address them. Additionally, I was the one at-large councilor who publicly condemned the actions of the former Wabash Township trustee in 2021, so you can trust that I will stand up against officials if and when they become rogue and dangerous, regardless of political party.
Patrick Flannelly: When Mayor Dennis departs this winter, one of the critical voids that must be addressed is strong leadership in public safety. Mayor Dennis brought invaluable perspective to city government with his background in policing, and community safety is one of the main drivers of economic success in any community. There is no flourishing without safety. First, I am the only candidate with a background in public safety. I successfully led one of the largest and busiest police departments in Indiana, proving myself in crisis management, community engagement, decision-making in volatile environments, conflict resolution and budget management, to name just a few. Second, I have demonstrated the ability to work with anyone from any background, regardless of political affiliation or personal differences in city government as a department head.
Brian Russell: I’m smart enough to know that I’m not going the smartest person in the room and humble enough to know that even if I don’t agree with them that their opinions have merit and I should listen. I’m not looking to be a career politician. Ideally, I would like to serve for three terms – one to learn, one to govern and one to mentor the next generation of leaders. I have no plan to run for state or national office.
David Sanders: I can’t answer this question; I can only respond with a description of my experience. Many of the issues that face our city have a scientific or technological basis, and as a scientist, I believe it is important to be able to address them on a first-hand basis. It seems to me to be valuable to have someone who is familiar with the inner workings of Purdue University on the council. Councilors have a duty to act as independent participants representing the residents of West Lafayette in the operation of city government. I have worked with state Rep. Chris Campbell at the Statehouse, where I spoke on issues of local governance on behalf of Mayor Dennis and the city council. I have also been endorsed by state Rep. Sheila Klinker. When the residents of West Lafayette have a problem, they know that I am the councilor who will help them get it solved.
CANDIDATE BIOS
Iris O’Donnell Bellisario
Party: Democratic
Age: 25
Occupation: Program officer and digital equity specialist at Lead for America
Education: B.S in natural resources and environmental science at Purdue University; master’s of Public Health, graduating November 2023
Past elected positions, if any: Precinct committee person
Community boards or other community service: Go Greener Commission, outreach chair previously, currently vice chair
Immediate family: Timothy O’Donnell, father, physician and owner of Coze Health Medical LLC; Kristen Bellisario, mother, professor at Purdue University at Honors College; Noah Bellisario O’Donnell, brother
Your campaign site online: https://www.irisforwestlafayette.com/
James Blanco
Party: Democratic
Age: 28
Occupation: Auto mechanic
Education: Certificates; EV and Hybrid Vehicle Technology, Maintenance and Light Repair, Ivy Tech Community College; Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Purdue University
Past Elected Offices: Incumbent councilor
Community Boards: CityBus board member
Immediate Family: N/A
Campaign website: voteblanco.com
Patrick Flannelly
Party: Republican
Age: 56
Occupation: Lafayette Chief of Police (retired)/Law Enforcement Consultant
Education: Purdue University, Bachelor of Arts, Law & Society, December 1992; Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Certificate of Completion, Senior Executives in State and Local Government program, July 2014; Northwestern University, Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff & Command, Management Training Division, April-September 2008; Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Plainfield, Honor Graduate, July-October, 1995.
Past elected positions, if any: This is the first time I have run for public office.
Community boards or other community service: West Lafayette Parks Department (2010-2022), Board of Directors (served as president, vice president, secretary and member). Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Training Board in 2020. Greater Lafayette Police Foundation, Founder and Board of Directors (2014-present). Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, 1st Vice President. Council for a Strong America, Fight Crime-Invest in Kids, board member, National Advisory Council. Tippecanoe County Drug-Free Coalition Public Policy Committee (2013-20). Coach and board member for various youth sports programs in Tippecanoe County.
Immediate family: Spouse, Kristin Flannelly, manager for State Farm Insurance, where she has worked for 25 years. We have three boys: Jack, 23; Jayce, 21; Jett, 15,
Your campaign site online: Facebook.com/voteflannelly; www.voteflannelly.com
Brian Russell
Party: Republican
Age: 48
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Education: Harrison ’93, Purdue ‘98
Past elected positions, if any: First time
Community boards or other community service: Past LTHC Board member, Habitat for Humanity volunteer
Immediate family: Spouse Laura and five kids.
Your campaign site online: VoteBrianRussell.com
David Sanders
Party: Democratic
Age: 62
Occupation: Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette
Education: B.S., Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale College; Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of California, Berkeley
Past elected positions, if any: West Lafayette City Councilor, At-Large. 2016-present
Immediate family: Wife Sharon Waxkirsh, three sons
Your campaign site online: davidsandersforindiana.com and https://www.facebook.com/groups/davidsanderswl
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.
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Patrick Flannelly does not oppose the LEAP water steal strongly enough for me.