Both candidates for a Whiteland Town Council seat saw growing debt as the town’s most pressing issue.
In the end, voters decided to go with the candidate who brought new ideas on how to solve the looming crisis.
Independent Andy Brock defeated Republican Phillip Wilson for the Ward 3 seat. Brock took 55 percent of the votes, compared to Wilson’s 45 percent. This was the first time Brock has run for political office.
Brock will take over for Roger Ford, who is not running again. Ward 3, which represents the area south of Whiteland Road, between U.S. 31 and Interstate 65, was the only contested race for Whiteland voters this November.
As part of the town council, Brock will approve the town budget and review and approve ordinances, including annexations and regulations.
Whiteland is carrying more than $6 million in debt, and that puts an unnecessary burden on taxpayers in a small town, Brock has said. Residents don’t know that the town has so much debt, and he’d like to make people more informed.
Brock also wanted to focus on the potential for development along U.S. 31 and the I-65 corridor. Development should focus on what the community is looking for — additional restaurants, attractions and other key businesses, he said.
This was Wilson’s second straight loss vying for the Ward 3 seat. He ran in 2011 but was defeated by Ford.
Wilson had campaigned on investigating the town’s debt more fully and working with the council and other residents to find the best solution. He also wanted the council to work on ordinances and regulations that facilitate growth between U.S. 31 and I-65.
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Whiteland Town Council Ward 3
Phillip Wilson (R);137
Andy Brock (I);170
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