New Anderson council members stress importance of working together

Ken de la Bastide, The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Ind.
·2 min read

Jan. 1—ANDERSON — Four new members of Anderson City Council began their terms of office Monday.

Democrat Greg Graham returned to city council representing District 3, and three Republicans took the oath of office at the Anderson city building as at-large members of council.

Graham was joined Monday in taking the oath by Mark Turner, Tiffany Harless and Rachel Landers.

"It's very exciting," Landers said. "I'm looking forward to getting to know the people on the council and learning how to work with them.

"I'm very optimistic about what we can accomplish over the next four years. There are things I would like to see accomplished, and I'm already working on the homeless."

A good team of people with lots of good ideas is seeking solutions to the homeless problem in Anderson, according to Landers.

Graham said it was an exciting day for him to return to council.

"I always enjoyed serving on the council, and I'm glad to be back," he said.

"The first thing is we have to settle the federal lawsuit," Graham said of a redistricting lawsuit filed against council. "Then we can move on. The city is in good financial shape, which is a real plus."

The city must upgrade its water system, Graham said.

"I'm looking forward to working with the new council members, who are all fine people. We're going to be fine."

Harless said Monday was a day of high hopes.

"I would see the council set an example by working 100% with the other members of the council and the administration," she said.

"I have lots of goals, which depends on all of us. Homelessness and the water system infrastructure would be two ... at the top of my list."

Returning council member Jennifer Culp, a 1st District Republican, said the political composition of the council is fairly split, with Democrats holding a 5-4 majority.

She expressed hope that council members would be open to listening to one another and would be thoughtful in their comments.

Tim Lanane, who served as master of ceremonies as council members took their oaths, noted people had gathered to celebrate the democratic process in Anderson.

"Running for office is not easy," said Lanane, a retired state senator. "I want to thank everyone who ran for office and the people who worked to conduct the election.

"We need to do things by working together to make the city of Anderson the best it can be."

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.