Incumbents get nod for Bargersville town council

The three incumbents are one step closer to retaining their seats on the Bargersville Town Council, surviving a challenge from candidate Roger Hitz in the Republican primary.

Susie Qualls, James Rumell II and Ruth Ann Moore collected 31%, 28% and 24% of the vote, respectively. They will face Democrat Blythe Potter, the owner of Bargersville Wellness, in the Nov. 7 general election.

Moore said she wants to continue the progress made during her first term in office, including the near completion of Kephart Park. She also wants to work with town officials to consider new development near Interstate 69 and County Road 144 when construction on I-69 finishes next year.

Other goals for a second term in office include repaving streets and replacing aging pipes. She also wants to continue work on parks and trails and finish a project to bring a new water tower to Stones Crossing Road. When it comes to growth, development should be a balance of new homes and businesses, she said.

Qualls also wants to build on the success from her first term, which she said includes the implementation of two riverfront districts, an update to the Unified Development Ordinance, the development of the I-69/County Road 144 interchange and the continuation of downtown revitalization, she said.

Along with developing the area around the interchange, Qualls hopes to increase the quality of life for residents with more parks and trails, as well as additional local restaurants and businesses downtown. She also wants to make sure residents have access to quality healthcare nearby, Qualls said.

With another term in office, Rumell, who served as president of the police commission, said he can continue to strengthen the Bargersville Police Department, which opened a new police station last year. He also wants to further increase the connectivity of local trails.

Other goals on Rumell’s mind include making sure local parks and park amenities are adequate for the growing population and allowing for responsible development as the town continues to grow, making sure new homes and businesses match their surroundings, he said.


HOW YOU VOTED

Bargersville Town Council

Susie Qualls: 31%

James Rumell II: 28%

Ruth Ann Moore: 24%

Roger Hitz: 17%