Editor’s note: Michael Fickert, Republican candidate for Seymour City Council District 5, did not submit information or answer questions for this article.

Two candidates are on the ballot for the District 5 seat on the Seymour City Council.

Independent incumbent David Earley is being challenged by political newcomer Republican Michael Fickert.

Earley is seeking his third term on the council and said his experience will benefit the city in the years to come.

"With a new mayor and clerk being elected this year along with several newly elected council members, I believe my experience will be an asset," he said.

He also said his ability to keep an open mind when evaluating situations has helped him make the best decisions for the city.

Some major issues Seymour faces in the next four years are infrastructure, the need for a new city hall and finding a way to clean up properties within the city, he said.

For infrastructure, Earley said the city needs a long-term plan to update and replace streets, sewers and sidewalks when possible.

Earley said because the city is having to spend "too much" money repairing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at city hall, it’s time for a major renovation or to find a new home for government offices.

"Our city hall is adequate at best," Earley said.

Another priority for Earley is making Seymour the best it can be by taking pride in how the city looks.

"I’m tired of seeing rundown properties," he said. "It’s time to maintain properties and help make Seymour a more welcoming place to live."

When it comes to issues like annexation and tax increment financing, Earley said they are tools the city must use at this time to fund projects.

"I see it as a necessary evil until the city is more financially sound," he said.

It’s also too soon for the city to pursue solar energy because of the cost, but he is interested in studying how other communities, like North Vernon, are doing it.

"While I like the idea of doing this, it’s important to watch how other communities that have invested in solar energy are financially affected in the upcoming years before we jump into the unknown," he said.

As for improving public safety in the community, Earley said police and firefighters need to invest in the next generation by educating youth about the dangers of abuse and drug and alcohol usage.

"We need to be making sure they feel comfortable reporting to a trusted adult when they feel they’re in danger," he said.

Although the city has done a better job of fixing and repairing roads in the last few years, Earley said the same can’t be said for aging sewers.

"Our sewers need attention," he said. "Because it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind and so it’s easy to ignore, but they are in desperate need of overhauling."

Earley said the Shields Park Pool also is in need of attention.

"We need to consider a splash pad and other water park amenities," he said.

At this time, Earley said he doesn’t believe any major changes need to be made to the city’s public transportation system.

But he does want to see the city look at doing more work in-house to save money and cut expenses rather than outsourcing.

"We also need to make sure there are zero discrepancies in our sanitation billing process," he said.

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Name: David W. Earley

Age: 63

Party: Independent

Occupation: Log buyer for Danzer Veneer America for 33 years

Education: Associate degree in business from Northwood Institute

Previous government experience: Served on the Seymour City Council for the last eight years

Community affiliations: Elder at Central Christian Church, member of Jackson Masonic Lodge, served on the Seymour High School Basketball Council

Family: Married to Rhonda for 34½ years; daughter, Allison (Chris) Cramer, and granddaughter, Quinn; son, Skylar (Libby) Earley and granddaughters, Cecelia, Opal and Dorothy, and grandson, Buster

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