Lebanon's mayoral candidates outline their stances

Apr. 14—Lebanon Mayor Matthew Gentry and challenger, Boone County Councilman Kevin Van Horn, both seek the Republican nomination in the May 2 primary election for the mayor's seat.

The Lebanon Reporter asked the two candidates a series of questions. Following are their answers:

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. is anticipated to continue to ask for property to be annexed as the LEAP Lebanon district grows. How will you respond to future requests for annexation and zoning classifications in this district and elsewhere? And what will you use to guide you, as the city's master plan did not anticipate this scale of growth and the county's PUD is not yet complete?

Van Horn: It is imperative the citizens of Lebanon are included in the decision-making process. Let people exercise their right to speak on their own behalf, and more importantly, listen attentively to what they are saying.

With respect to future annexation, I will work to bring growth to the city in smaller increments. As the future mayor, I understand I must work diligently with the Area Plan Commission to ensure all processes happen in accordance with the law. I will seek guidance from the citizens, council members, and all affected parties to make the best informed decisions on a case by case basis.

Gentry: I have always told the IEDC that any annexation request to the City must be 100% voluntary and at the request of the property owners. During my administration, the City has never done an annexation that wasn't 100% voluntary. I will not change this position.

The City is waiting for the County to finalize and adopt its PUD so we can mirror their language in an ordinance of our own. The City did create a LEAP zoning classification but this classification will be further refined and strengthened once a unified PUD is adopted by both the City and County.

Generally speaking, we assigned land south of the Big 4 trail with the LEAP zoning classification and the land north of the trail with our default Single Family zoning. When the PUD is complete, we can begin a rezoning process to ensure that any development in that area is in line with the agreed upon PUD.

Where do you see economic growth opportunities for the city outside of the LEAP Lebanon district?

Gentry: While the economic development in the LEAP district is important, it will certainly not be the only growth and investments the City will see over the next 5 years. I expect that we will continue to see additional residential development as well as new restaurants and retail opportunities around Lebanon.

Hickory Junction Fieldhouse will be a significant driver of additional economic growth in the area south of I-65. Based on conversations with the developer, we will see additional hotels, restaurants, retail, and a medical office. The Waterford Development near the Boone County Fairgrounds will also bring additional residential and retail options. There are also significant opportunities for redevelopment near the downtown square and adjacent properties.

Van Horn: With the growth that is coming to Lebanon there will be opportunities for business to thrive outside the LEAP district. There is an opportunity to support more restaurants, retail, and the type of small businesses that support a positive quality of life and add to the individuality of our community.

What top three or four challenges that face the city in the next 10 years, and what is your plan to address them?

Van Horn: With the growth coming to the city, it is important to have an ambassador that can offer stability for all parties. As your next mayor I can assure you mine will be the voice saying; "If you want to be safe in your neighborhoods, come to Lebanon where the first responders will work hard every day to ensure you are served well. Move to Lebanon to put your children in a wonderful school district to give them a great education to prepare for the future. Grow your business here and make it part of this community.

"I want you, your family, and friends to know Lebanon truly is The Friendly City. My job will be balancing the wants and needs of the people of Lebanon and our neighbors in the county with respect so we all can live and thrive here."

Gentry: The challenges the City will face in the next decade all relate to the management of the growth that is already coming to Lebanon. I believe in smart growth. Growth will come to Lebanon regardless, so we must grow the right way with the correct types of development to maintain our small town feel and ensure we are not overwhelmed. There are many sides to this issue that must be considered and addressed. The first priority must always be ensuring that Lebanon stays a safe community.

During my time as Mayor, we have added 13 additional officers and our Police Department has done an excellent job and worked proactively to reduce crime by 16% over the last four years. We must ensure the city continues to have the ability to continue hiring the best officers and making sure they have the best tools and equipment to keep Lebanon's citizens safe.

Managing any increased traffic will also be important as growth continues. The city has been proactive by implementing road impact fees to ensure that developers, not taxpayers, pay to upgrade our road network. The northern interchange near Eli Lilly will also help ease traffic along (Ind.) 39 by providing additional access to I-65 north of town.

There are also challenges related to ensuring that our aging water and wastewater infrastructure continues to be replaced and upgraded. During my administration, we have taken a strategic approach to replace and upgrade our utilities systems.

We must also continue working to improve our parks system. Public parks play a critical role in improving the quality of life of residents. Our Parks Department has done a great job bringing new park amenities to our citizens such as the splashpad in Abner Longley Park, the all-inclusive playground in Memorial Park, and pickleball courts around town. I have advocated for and believe that we should build an additional park west of the railroad tracks to better serve citizens on the West side of Lebanon.

What are Lebanon's three biggest assets and how will you improve them?

Gentry: I see the people of Lebanon as our greatest asset. When we work together, we can accomplish great things. I will continue the City's ongoing efforts to engage and communicate with everyone in the best ways possible. I also believe that bringing additional higher education and skills training options to our community will provide the citizens opportunities to improve their lives.

Our parks and revitalized downtown are also excellent assets that we must continue to support. I am a strong advocate for investing in our parks system to provide additional recreational amenities for children and families. With proper support, the downtown will continue its revitalization.

An active downtown means more dining and retail options for the entire community.

Finally, no one can ignore the importance of Lebanon's location between Indianapolis and Lafayette along the Interstate. We are beginning to take advantage of this location by expanding our tourism opportunities with the construction of Hickory Junction Fieldhouse and Stone Eater Bike Park.

Van Horn: An informed citizenship is the greatest asset in any community. To accomplish this and attain our collective potential, we need true transparency in government. Citizens elect the leaders to represent them. I will bring your voice back because the government is meant to serve you.

Elected officials with servant hearts and a collective goal for prosperity and happiness of the citizens are an asset for the people. Does that mean governing bodies will always agree? Of course not. But the open dialogue met with respect and understanding means we can work with other municipalities for our benefit and theirs. Interests can be mutual, not just mutually exclusive.

We are blessed to live in a city with so many dedicated professionals. From parks and libraries, teachers, and emergency services, to private entities, each is a brick in the foundation of the community. Those with good intentions and hope for a brighter tomorrow will always have my confidence, optimism and ear.

What can be done to address the affordable housing shortage?

Van Horn: We can refine our system to act quickly and predictably to draw the type of housing development we need. By approving developments that meet existing zoning laws and establishing a fast track to the permitting process we can mitigate issues that drive up costs and be competitive in attracting specific types of housing investments.

Gentry: I believe Lebanon is and should continue to be a community for people of all walks of life. There are certainly larger forces outside the control of the Mayor of Lebanon such as building cost increases, inflation, and a nationwide housing shortage, but my administration has worked hard to do what we can locally to address rising the cost of housing. We believe in an "all of the above" approach. We have worked with developers to attract housing types that are both desirable and attainable.

For example, we worked with 11th Street Development to develop a project that will include "narrow lot" homes as well as "cottages." These products are great for young families and empty nesters.

We have also attracted developments such as the Brakeman Building near downtown that offers residents a more metropolitan feel in a mixed-use building. We have also seen a dramatic increase in traditional single-family homes in the "first time buyer" and "move up" categories. There has been new senior targeted housing that will allow residents to downsize out of their current family home and make that available to the market. We are also currently updating our Unified Development Ordinance that would allow more options in the "missing middle" to be developed.

I am focused on ensuring that Lebanon grows the right way. We want strategic and controlled growth that values design. We all want Lebanon to retain that "small town charm" that we love. We must continue to work to keep that charm as Lebanon grows and changes.

What can the mayor do to improve relations with county officeholders?

Gentry: I have always attempted to work in full cooperation with the County government. We recently partnered together on a grant submission to use Opioid Settlement Funds to improve access to needed mental health and substance abuse in Lebanon and Boone County. I have great relationships with several county officials.

However, at the end of the day, the Mayor's responsibility is first and foremost to the residents of Lebanon. At times, that may put City and County officials on opposite sides of an issue. As Mayor, I believe it is important to collaborate when possible but to also stand firm when needed to protect the interests of the city and its citizens. Generally speaking, we have not had any issues with county government when everyone follows the appropriate rules and procedures.

Van Horn: Have meaningful conversation with the elected officials. As the may of Lebanon, they will know I will be accessible, willing to listen, and will work diligently with each of them to ensure the citizens of Lebanon will be heard loud and clear.

Having been on the county side of conversations I can say the biggest need is for open and sincere conversation. The decisions made by one group do affect the other. As the mayor my job will be to represent the interest of Lebanon and what her citizens want. Problems are solved when each voice is given respect and we can harness the collective. I have the passion to accomplish just that.

What in your track record shows voters you are the best man for this job?

Van Horn: For the last 50 years I have worked hard every day to grow and raise a family. I have been blessed to wear many hats in my lifetime. From my experience working in warehouses, to sales, purchasing, and then going back to school and earning a degree in elementary education, I understand what people are going through and everyone deserves a voice.

The last seven years as a Boone County Councilor has and continues to be a great experience. As a council member, I and six others control the purse strings for the Boone County government. We all listen attentively, have discussions, and then make decisions. The budget process keeps me well informed on the county finances. It is a lengthy process and I work hard to make sure the citizens of Boone County, Indiana, are heard

In addition to professional and political experiences, I have always had a heart for volunteerism and service. Through the last 29 years with the Back to the Fifties board I have helped facilitate an annual family favorite, specific to Lebanon.

My work with Center Stage Community Theater for 27 years on and off the stage has worked to support arts and artists in our community.

As a 29-year member and three-time past president of the Lebanon Elks I learned the power a small group of people has to make a huge impact as we raise monies for cancer research, veterans, and the children within our community through various youth programs.

I am in my second year as a board member for Lebanon's July 4th Committee. The hard work to pull this off is very rewarding and nothing beats a hometown 4th of July in Lebanon, Indiana.

Gentry: Electing its mayor is the most important decision a city makes because our quality of life is directly impacted by the effectiveness of the mayor and how they manage the many things that affect our daily lives.

During my time as mayor, we have increased public safety, attracted world-class companies, invested in our city parks, and revitalized our historic downtown, all while reducing the property tax rate. We increased the size of our police force by 39% and decreased overall crime. We added additional firefighters to better respond to emergencies and improved the city's fire protection rating, putting Lebanon Fire Department in the top 8% of all departments in the United States. We have attracted more than $3 billion in new investments and attracted companies that have created more the 2,500 new jobs. We have passed honestly balanced budgets and improved the city bond rating.

We have made City government more transparent by creating a financial transparency portal and live-streaming, recording, and posting all city meetings. We have engaged the public at dozens of open houses and with our city-wide text alerts and online city 311.

We completely rebuilt the downtown without increasing taxes one penny. We have paved or reconstructed nearly half of Lebanon's roads. We have installed miles of new trails and sidewalks to connect neighborhoods. We have facilitated the development of the youth sports focused Hickory Junction Fieldhouse to provide additional sports opportunities for children in our community. We constructed an all-inclusive playground and new pickleball courts for young children and the young at heart. We have installed hundreds of streetlights. We are cleaning up and transforming the old city dump into a new regional attraction mountain bike park.

My administration has done more than just dream. We have produced reliable results and improved the lives of the citizens of Lebanon. This campaign is about more than a slogan or a thinking it's your turn. This campaign is about deciding who is the best person to lead Lebanon to our bright future. We are on the precipice of unparalleled opportunity and Lebanon needs someone with the experience, expertise, and professionalism to engage with prospective business leaders to ensure Lebanon get the smart growth that we want.

I am the only candidate that can meet that standard. I am always happy to discuss issues or problems with the community. I can be reached by email at matt@gentryforlebanon.com and by phone or text at 765-335-3771.

Are you happy with your department heads and do you anticipate any changes on that front if reelected?

Gentry: All current City Department heads are excellent leaders and advocates for the citizens of Lebanon. They all work tirelessly to improve the safety, service, and lives of the people of Lebanon. I do not anticipate making any changes.

Do you plan to make changes in department heads, and if so, who and why?

Van Horn: I intend to have discussions with each department head regarding their goals for their respective departments. In turn I will inform them of the timeline, goals, and expectations I have under their purvey. This need for a unified front drives the decision regarding any changes that need made.

What would you say to someone who thought you are doing a disservice to Boone County voters by leaving your newly won council seat to seek another office?

Van Horn: My work with the Boone County Council has, and always will be for the many who live, work, and pass through Boone County daily. I made the decision to become Lebanon's next mayor in August 2021. I knew in my heart by knocking on doors, speaking with the citizens,and listening to their concerns would not in any way interfere with my duties as a Boone County Council member.

My heart has been and always will be in fulfilling the needs of my neighbors and community. I have always been a man who follows my conscience and in August of 2021 I decided I could no longer sit y when I saw the need for a mayor who puts others above himself had become so great.

You've already announced you will not seek another term. If you win this term, what are your career goals after it ends?

Gentry: At this time, my only focus is doing the best job I can as Mayor for the remaining time the voters choose to give me. After my time as Mayor is over, I plan to go back into the private sector as well as helping my father raise our purebred Berkshire hogs on the family farm west of Lebanon.

I also plan to spend more time with my wife and sons and niece and nephew. Serving as Mayor of Lebanon has been the highest honor of my life and I have felt the privilege and responsibility of working to make our community better every single day.