Westfield mayor race: Scott Willis wins Republican primary

Scott Willis edged fellow City Councilor Jake Gilbert in a three-candidate race in Westfield's Republican mayoral primary Tuesday.

Willis won 45% of the vote, just ahead of Gilbert’s 42%, according to unofficial results with all 205 precincts reporting. Kristen Burkman, a member of the city’s Plan Commission, received 13% of the ballots.

The candidates were vying to replace Republican Mayor Andy Cook, who is retiring after 16 years at the helm.

"I am honored that the residents of Westfield have placed their trust in me to be their next mayor,” Willis said in prepared remarks. “I have worked hard to earn their support, and I think my experience, qualifications and vision really resonated with people.”

Democrats did not run a candidate in the primary but could still do so in the November general election.

In the Westfield City Council races, the only two incumbents who ran both lost, which means the council will have seven new members next term.

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Westfield mayor race

Willis campaigned on diversifying the city’s tax base and drawing businesses to Westfield. He said he will expand downtown Westfield and draw more visitors to the area and encourage home construction of a variety of homes, offices and businesses.

"A vibrant downtown where family and friends gather for fun with Park Street as the centerpiece for shopping and dining," Willis said a news release. "A mixed-use village around Grand Park with a trolley shuttling families from the fields to the stores. And connectivity with our trails to create more walkability.”

“To accomplish this, while providing for infrastructure and public safety, we need to diversify our tax base to keep taxes low.”

A retired 30-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Willis serves on the Westfield Washington Public Library Board and works for recruiting firm Theoris Search and property company Jarhead Holdings.

Willis is serving his first term on the council. He and his wife, Stacey, have three children and have lived in Westfield for 20 years.

Gilbert is the Westfield High School football coach and led the Shamrocks to a Class 5A championship in 2016 and to Class 6A championship games in 2020 and 2021. He is the dean of wellness at Westfield High School and president of the Westfield Wellbeing Coalition.

Gilbert ran on a platform of more deliberative and thoughtful growth in the city. He said he would update the city’s development guidelines and preserve existing neighborhoods and community assets, such as parks and trails.

Burkman, who has never run for office, is a former employee at Delta Faucet and is completing work on a doctorate in leadership through Marymount University in Washington D.C.

Burkman said she would focus the city on "data-driven" initiatives that could help bring businesses to Westfield and wants to focus on rebuilding Westfield’s downtown along the State Road 32 corridor.

Westfield City Council candidates

The only two incumbents seeking re-election to the council lost handily.

In the District 4 GOP council race, challenger Patrick Tamm beat incumbent Scott Frei, gathering 53% of the vote. The winner will face Democrat Alexis Lowry in the general election in November.

In the Republican race for the District 5 council seat, Noah Herron received 64% of the vote to down incumbent Mike Johns.

Other primary races, all among Republicans: In District 1, Jon Dartt beat Mark F. Keen. In District 2, Victor McCarty bested Andrew Bouse. And in District 3, Joe Duepner defeated Justin C. Griffiths.

For the two at-large seats, Republicans Kurt Wanninger and Chad Huff were the top vote-getters, with Brian Tomamichel finishing third. The top two advance to the general election along with unopposed Democrat Gary Lane.

At-large Republican Councilors Cindy Spoljaric and Troy Patton and District 2 Councilor Joe Edwards did not run for reelection.

Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418. Email at john.tuohy@indystar.com and follow on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Westfield mayor race: Scott Willis wins Republican primary