The May 2 election is upon us: meet the candidates
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. − The West Lafayette City Council At-Large election is upon us. Here's a quick run-down on the four candidates on the ballot.
James Blanco
Blanco is a Purdue alum with a bachelor's in political science. He also attended Ivy Tech Community College and has certificates in EV and hybrid technology and maintenance and light repair. He works as an automotive mechanic and currently serves At-Large on the West Lafayette City Council board.
Each of the candidates provided their responses to multiple questions on vote411.org. Below is an example of one response per candidate.
"What types of economic development projects do you favor?"
Blanco: "I favor spaces that allow for walkability and recreation to balance our densely populated areas. For example, I'm excited to support the planned development for the Chauncey Hill Mall, making the most of the land by replacing a massive parking lot with underground parking, more housing, and a relaxing walking space to access ground-level retail."
Iris O'Donnell Bellisario
Bellisario is the only newcomer to the ballot, with the three other candidates currently serving on the City Council. Bellisario studied natural resources and environmental service at Purdue University and is currently pursuing a master's in public health. She currently works in public service for a non-profit organization.
"What types of economic development projects do you favor?"
Bellisario: "Sustainable economic growth should be a priority in an ever-evolving city, and keeping at the forefront of our minds how the community needs will evolve is crucial. Economic development projects that promote open green spaces, trail systems, and food security can help ensure a high quality of life for a densely populated area. West Lafayette has several wonderful recreational parks, and continuing to maintain and look at expansion or connection opportunities can help ensure future generations can enjoy those spaces."
David Sanders
Sanders currently serves At-Large on the West Lafayette City Council board and works as an associate professor of biological sciences at Purdue University. He has a bachelor's in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale College and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.
"What types of economic development projects do you favor?"
Sanders: "I favor economic development that focuses on sustainability, that has the goal of improving quality of life, and that does not depend on government subsidies for for-profit entities."
Gerald Thomas
Thomas serves At-Large on the West Lafayette City Council and is otherwise retired. He has bachelor's in industrial management from Purdue University.
"What types of economic development projects do you favor?"
Thomas: "I favor economic development projects that create opportunities for our residents, either economically or to improve our quality of life. Each project needs to be evaluated on its own merits to make sure it is the right fit for our community."
Voting information
A full list of voting locations and times is available on www.tippecanoe.in.gov.
The following locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for voting on May 2:
Black Cultural Center at Purdue University
West Lafayette Wellness Center
Faith West Community Center
Margerum City Hall of West Lafayette
Connection Point Church
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Here's a brief rundown on Tuesday's election candidates
