Meet the candidates for City-County Council District 20

Two candidates are running for Indianapolis City-County Council District 20: Republican Michael-Paul Hart and Democrat William Jackson. Hart is an incumbent council member representing District 18, but following redistricting by the council, he is now running in District 20 – on the southeast side of Marion County.  

Hart, 34, is a director of end-user computing solutions for a global technology company and life-long resident of Marion County. 

Jackson, 44, grew up on the southeast side of Indianapolis and owns a private security firm. 

WFYI and the Indianapolis Recorder sent each of the candidates six questions to help voters learn more. Their answers are presented in alphabetical order.

Editors’ note: Responses were edited for style and grammar, and any numbers used were checked for accuracy. When a statement required more clarification or could not be independently verified, WFYI reached out to candidates before publication. Those instances, and those candidate responses, are noted throughout in editors’ notes, marked by an * and presented in italics.

Early voting started Oct. 11. Election Day is Nov. 7. 

MICHAEL-PAUL HART

What are the top concerns that your district’s constituents have shared with you, and what are the issues that you foresee affecting them most in the next two to three years?  

Constituents are most concerned about road conditions, especially potholes, property taxes, inflation, and the redevelopment of Washington Square Mall. Over the next two to three years, the quality of city services, ranging from code enforcement to public works and safety, will be crucial. The city faces challenges in staffing, leading to service quality issues due to heightened demand.

Affordable housing is a major issue in Indianapolis. What measures should the council take to address this?

In Indianapolis, affordable housing is a pressing concern. To address this, the council should expedite the bond release process for builders, as delays escalate housing costs and hamper development. Modifying city ordinances to be more receptive to Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) would enable development tailored to individual project needs, rather than a strict adherence to standard zoning. Furthermore, streamlining the permitting process by permitting certified third-party entities to conduct inspections would improve efficiency and potentially lower costs.*

*Editors’ note: The Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, DBNS, has been attempting to streamline the permitting process. Residents have reported issues with the Department of Metropolitan Development and DBNS. Candidates point to problems that include staffing and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Watch the budget hearings for the DBNS and Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee here.

What is your top concern regarding public safety in Indianapolis? What steps will you take as a council member to address it?My foremost concern regarding public safety in Indianapolis is the profound impact of crime on our communities. As a council member, I firmly believe that we need robust measures to ensure that those who commit crimes are held accountable. My priority will be to work collaboratively with law enforcement, judiciary, and community stakeholders to develop strategies that effectively deter criminal activities and strengthen the criminal justice system to maintain a safe environment for our residents.

What specific steps will you take to address environmental concerns in your district that affect your constituents’ quality of life and life expectancy? 

Collaborate closely with the environmental sustainability committee. Our pivotal initiative this year, which will persist as we revisit the city's waste contracts, is launching a curbside recycling program for Indianapolis. Advocate relentlessly for enhanced street sweeping services throughout the entire city, ensuring cleaner waterways and a healthier environment for our residents.

What specific steps will you take to connect minority-owned businesses in Indianapolis with contracts for city projects? How else will you support growth opportunities for minority-owned businesses? 

In Indianapolis, connecting small businesses, including minority-owned ones, to city projects is pivotal. I'll prioritize enhancing contract awareness and simplifying the contracting process to ensure all entrepreneurs can navigate and secure opportunities. Additionally, by organizing citywide networking events and providing dedicated support resources, I aim to bolster growth and collaboration for every small business owner in our community.

What would you like to see happen for K-12 education in Indianapolis, and how would you work as a city-county councilor to achieve that? 

For K-12 education in Indianapolis, I'm deeply committed to ensuring all students have access to higher education and academic support at every level. Recognizing the transformative impact of the 21st Century Scholars program, I aim to bolster its outreach, ensuring more middle and high school students are enrolled and retain their eligibility, thus securing college funding for those facing financial constraints. For younger students, the aftermath of remote learning during the pandemic has highlighted an urgent need. I'm actively exploring sustainable solutions to bridge the educational gaps, particularly by connecting students with affordable in-person tutoring resources. As a city-county councilor, I'll champion these initiatives through partnerships, policy adjustments, and budget allocations to ensure a brighter academic future for our city's youth.

WILLIAM JACKSON

What are the top concerns that your district’s constituents have shared with you, and what are the issues that you foresee affecting them most in the next two to three years?  

The top three concerns that have been expressed to me from residents in District 20, are ensuring access to quality, affordable housing, creating safer neighborhoods, and developing robust roads and infrastructure. Three concerns that are critical pillars for the holistic development and well-being of Indianapolis. As a candidate aspiring to serve on the Indianapolis City Council, I am steadfast in my commitment to advocate for inclusive and equitable policies that squarely address these pivotal areas. I will work diligently to champion initiatives that incentivize the development and renovation of affordable, high-quality housing and dismantle systemic barriers preventing access to such housing. The fostering of safer communities will be prioritized through the advocacy for community-centric public safety models that bolster preventative measures and enhance trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve. This includes addressing and remedying systemic inequalities and allocating resources towards community development and youth programs, creating a foundation for long-term communal safety and well-being. In addition, I will vigorously push for significant and sustainable investments in our city’s infrastructure, including roads and public transit systems, to spur economic growth, improve connectivity, and ensure the resilience and sustainability of our urban environment. By implementing these comprehensive and progressive strategies, we can pave the way for a more inclusive, prosperous, and secure Indianapolis for all residents.

Affordable housing is a major issue in Indianapolis. What measures should the council take to address this?

Indianapolis is currently facing a housing crisis, and we must find innovative ways to help alleviate the burden on renters. We can do this with stronger tenant protection ordinances. Most importantly, we can also give safeguards against rent rises and discriminatory practices. Another option is to expand the inclusionary zoning process by mandating developers to incorporate affordable housing units in new constructions or pay into a fund to assist affordable housing.

What is your top concern regarding public safety in Indianapolis? What steps will you take as a council member to address it?

My predominant concern about public safety in Indianapolis is the prevailing issue of gun violence. Addressing this multifaceted challenge requires a holistic approach, acknowledging the intricate web of underlying causes and contributing factors. As a servant leader running for the Indianapolis City Council, my commitment is to pursue multifaceted strategies to mitigate gun violence in our community. 

I intend to champion community policing and enhanced engagement between law enforcement and the communities they serve, fostering trust and collaborative partnerships. A focus on mental health resources is vital, ensuring access to services for those struggling with mental health conditions, potentially preventing violent outbreaks. Implementing and promoting gun buyback programs can also contribute to reducing the number of firearms circulating in our community, mitigating the risk of gun-related incidents.

Promoting responsible gun ownership and advocating for safe storage of firearms are pivotal steps in preventing accidental discharges and ensuring that firearms do not fall into the wrong hands. Beyond these immediate steps, I am resolved to address the systemic issues contributing to violence in our city, such as poverty and inequality, by advocating for equitable policies that create economic opportunities, improve educational outcomes, and enhance community well-being.

What specific steps will you take to address environmental concerns in your district that affect your constituents’ quality of life and life expectancy? 

By promoting sustainable transportation options like bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly streets, and expanded and efficient IndyGo routes within District 20 will be on my agenda, along with incentives to encourage the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. I am committed to pushing for energy-efficient solutions and the incorporation of renewable energy sources in residential, commercial, and municipal settings to minimize our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Environmental justice is at the core of my mission, and I will strive to eradicate environmental inequalities by ensuring every community, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to clean, safe environments and is shielded from environmental hazards. A vital component of my approach is community engagement and education on environmental issues, empowering residents with the knowledge to adopt sustainable practices and actively participate in environmental conservation. By championing health-focused initiatives, such as improved access to healthy foods and recreational spaces, and actively advocating for supportive state and federal policies, legislation, and funding, I aim to construct an equitable, sustainable environment that enhances community well-being and longevity for both present and future generations.

What specific steps will you take to connect minority-owned businesses in Indianapolis with contracts for city projects? How else will you support growth opportunities for minority-owned businesses? 

As a certified minority business owner aspiring to join the Indianapolis City Council, my dedication to creating an inclusive, equitable business ecosystem in our city is unwavering. To connect minority-owned businesses with city projects, I plan to introduce streamlined, transparent processes and make information about contracts and applications readily available, ensuring easy access and application for city contracts. I will engage directly with minority business owners through targeted outreach programs like forums and workshops, which will be organized in collaboration with local business associations and chambers of commerce. To make minority-owned businesses more competitive, I will initiate capacity-building programs, offering training, financial literacy programs, and mentorship opportunities. Moreover, I will actively advocate for policies that allocate a higher percentage of city contracts to minority-owned businesses, addressing and eliminating any discriminatory practices in the awarding process. Accessible financing, grants, and incentives will be at the forefront, connecting businesses to essential resources and supporting their growth. The establishment of local partnerships will also be crucial, offering opportunities for smaller businesses to collaborate with larger corporations on city projects. By pushing for equitable economic development initiatives and supporting innovation and education for minority business owners, I envision fostering an environment where the diverse business community of Indianapolis can thrive and contribute to the collective progress and prosperity of our city.

What would you like to see happen for K-12 education in Indianapolis, and how would you work as a city-county councilor to achieve that? 

Although the Indianapolis City-County Council does not hold direct authority over the public school systems within Marion County, I steadfastly believe that a robust educational foundation is pivotal for a prosperous community. Should I be elected, my advocacy for education will be a multifaceted approach. I will actively advocate at the Statehouse for an equitable and comprehensive school funding framework, ensuring every child receives the high-quality education they are entitled to. Moreover, I will scrutinize the efficacy of mayor-sponsored charter schools, holding them to the highest standards of educational outcomes and integrity. My intention is also to cultivate collaborative ties between the council and local entities such as businesses and community and educational organizations such as RISE Indy, The Mind Trust, and Stand for Children, aiming to secure additional support and resources.