Mayor-elect Sakbun announces two teams to help as he enters office
Nov. 15—Terre Haute Mayor-Elect Brandon Sakbun announced his transition team and political advisory committee on Wednesday.
He also announced all current city department heads would have to apply for those city jobs, and they are encouraged to do so.
Asked if a department head would lose their job if they did not apply, Sakbun replied, "I never thought of it that way. I would like to see all leaders apply, but if they don't, that's their position."
He added, "We will absolutely and energetically evaluate the current talent and we will equally energetically look at individuals from outside. ... Those in their positions have a wealth of knowledge and experience that has not gone unnoticed."
Sakbun said all applications "will be thoroughly evaluated.
"I look forward to interviewing everyone as long as they have the right qualifications for the specific role," he added.
Sakbun's transition team consists of the mayor-elect and the following:
—Co-chairs Brendan Kearns and Karrum Nasser
—Former Sullivan Mayor Clint Lamb
—Attorney Michael Wright
—Public Defender Gretchen Etling
—President and founder of GoTime Coaching Lori Danielson
—Founder and Executive Director of Project Never Broken Shelley Klingerman
—Senior Attorney First Financial Corp. Norman Forrest Lowery
"This all-volunteer transition team serves to shape a government that is both efficient and reflective of the needs and diversity of our community," Sakbun said in a news release. "...My end state is to have an open and transparent transition to a new chapter for Terre Haute."
The second group, the political advisory committee, will assist in navigating relationships with state and federal entities, the mayor-elect said.
It consists of Sakbun and the following people:
—Former Speaker of the Indiana House John Gregg
—Former Sullivan Mayor Clint Lamb
—Former Terre Haute Mayor Judy Anderson
—Former State Sen. Jon Ford
The goal of this team "is to maintain and build upon current government relationships," Sakbun said.
"These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge in the legislative process and will help Terre Haute gain momentum moving into the next legislative session," he said.
Sakbun also said Mayor Duke Bennett has been helpful.
"Mayor Bennett continues to be a valued partner in this transition," he said. "His administration has been responsive and proactive in ensuring a seamless transition occurs."
Sakbun, a Democrat, on Nov. 7 defeated incumbent Republican Bennett 5,666 votes to 3,806, a split of about 60% to 40%. At 27, he will become Terre Haute's youngest mayor.
