Why did you decide to run for mayor?
As a business owner in Seymour and a lifelong resident of Jackson County, I have a vested interest in making sure this community continues to grow and thrive. Developing Vision 2025 and serving on the Jackson County United Way board have allowed me to hear the hopes and concerns of our residents for Seymour’s future. Many of the action steps from Vision 2025 have been completed or initiated over the past four years, and I believe the office of mayor will be crucial in continuing this work.
What experience would you bring to the mayor’s office?
I opened and have grown a practice in a competitive market by making customer service a priority and listening to my patients to help determine their needs. I would bring those same qualities to city hall. Serving as board president for the Jackson County United Way, I learned how to effectively lead meetings and committees, gained a high-level perspective of the needs of our community and incorporated a data-driven approach to decision-making. With Vision 2025, I bring a strategic action plan to the table that was developed through community conversations using new and innovative approaches to bring people together and move Seymour forward.
What specific projects or initiatives should the city prioritize? Why and how should those be funded?
The Burkart south extension is an important project that will improve access to the businesses of Freeman Field and also include a protected pedestrian trail. This will have a positive impact on both the local economy and community health. A multiyear plan to update our streets and sanitation infrastructure needs to be finalized and implemented. Also, our existing public transportation should be improved to reduce a significant barrier to financial stability in our community. These projects can be paid for with state and federal dollars, TIF funds, corporate sponsorships and an updated utility plan without raising our taxes.
Do you think there should be more collaboration between the city and the county on projects (i.e., work release center and judicial center) and how would you foster this relationship?
I believe in the collaborative impact model in which organizations work toward a communitywide shared goal. Partnering with our county leadership will only make us stronger. We can do this by developing personal relationships with county leaders and creating win-win solutions to issues as they arise. For example, with the judicial center, we could partner with the county to expand our public transportation with routes to Brownstown. This will connect two communities, which will strengthen our county and improve the public transportation system for Seymour.
Do you think the city should invest in solar energy? Why or why not?
On a personal level, I am in favor of reducing our impact on the environment with renewable energy. To consider an investment in solar energy for our city, though, it will need to make financial sense. Every year, solar energy technology and return on investment potential improve, making it important to stay on top of this issue. Once the investment is favorable for the city, I would support us moving forward with solar energy.
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Name: Nathan Otte
Party: Republican
Age: 35
Occupation: Optometrist
Education: 2001 graduate of Seymour High School; Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University
Organizations: Member of St. Paul Lutheran Church Borchers, Indiana Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society, developed Vision 2025, Jackson County United Way board, including two terms as president (2014 to present), Seymour Multisport Club, Crossroads Community Trails, Schneck Foundation and Indiana University Optometry Alumni Association board
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