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Bristol Town Council, At Large {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

The County Council is the legislative and fiscal body of the county. Council members are elected to represent residents, approve the county budget, set tax rates, and decide how public funds are spent. They help ensure county services are properly funded and managed.

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    Ernest Davis
    (Ind)

  • Candidate picture

    Mikel Ropp
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Anthony Stech
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What are the primary responsibilities of a town council member?

What is the most important challenge or opportunity facing your town?

What would be your top priorities for 2027?

What values will guide your budget decisions?

How will you ensure residents’ perspectives are considered in the decision-making process?

Recent development proposals, including large-scale commercial or industrial projects, have raised community concerns about land use, infrastructure, and quality of life. What role should the Bristol Town Council play in evaluating and guiding such development decisions?

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Occupation/Current Position Independent Consultant
Education BA in East Asian Studies from DePauw University
Campaign Email ropp4bristol@gmail.com
The town council has legislative duties that include researching and adopting ordinances and resolutions for the purposes of zoning and public welfare. Town council is also responsible for financial management, administrative decisions, such as the appointment of the town manager and park board members, and community planning. Town council members also have a responsibility to seek community input, and to communicate clearly, and in a transparent manner, with the public what is being planned and how it may impact the community. As a member of the town parks board, I have made practical changes to encourage this and will bring the same to the town council of Bristol.
Most would say simply, the data center. So I will address that plainly. I do not support a data center, or similarly disruptive industrial development, anywhere, but especially on the currently proposed the Kauffman property. The major reason being that location sits right on top of the most densely populated area in or around Bristol. Add to that the lack of adequate guaranteed safeguards or environmental impact studies. But beyond data center rezoning, I would say one of the most important issues for most residents is zoning in general. Zoning that has recently very much supported industry at the expense of the residents, renters and and homeowners of Bristol. So the biggest challenge I see is balancing commercial development, fiscal responsibility, and livability here in Bristol.
Generally speaking it would be increasing transparency, communication, and accountability of the town council. And I have specific, actionable, low cost proposals that can achieve this. Some of which I've already enacted on the park board. But also, returning the town council to a community centered organization that puts the priorities of residents first. My record of service to the town on the park board for 7 years, and volunteer work at the local food pantry and running the community garden for 6 years, for example, is evidence of that commitment.
Being responsible with tax payer dollars, as I've done on the park board.
By seeking, and listening to, their input. Making sure people affected by board decisions know what is being discussed in a timely enough manner that they are well informed and can share their opinions before decisions are made.
The town of Bristol is the last barrier between residents, their homes, and large-scale development. It is absolutely imperative that the town council work overtime in protecting residents from development that would negatively impact their day to day life and right to peaceful use of their property.
Occupation/Current Position Jayco final off line repair.
Education High school diploma
Campaign Email ams7909@gmail.com
Campaign Phone 574-849-7909
Town council members serve the town to make sure it stays running financially secure, public works are kept up and operational, and the town ordinance stays up to date for a safe and inviting community. This also includes property development and zoning. The goal is to welcome in healthy residential growth and businesses while carefully looking after the well being of the towns infustructure and resources.
The amount of large corporations and developments going into Bristol has caused a lot of frustration in our once upon a time small town. I would like to see what we can do to bridge the gap of small town feel vs large corporations in our community and work to try and bring in more small businesses like restaurants, coffee shop, and retail. Also, would love to see more single family homes built and available for current and future residents.
I would love to see more small businesses and single family homes brought into bristol. I plan to see what we can do to encourage growth especially in these two areas.
I believe as a council member that has been voted in by the people and for the people, financial stability for the infustructure of the town comes first. I am a huge supporter of local law enforcement and first responders. But I would plan to do my best to have the backs of the voters when it comes to zoning and business. Too often I see many people oppose large scale projects in this town and it goes through anyways. I wanna protect the residents as much as possible while making sure it is financially secure.
I would encourage more residents show up to our town meetings to stay informed of what's happening in the town, from development and construction updates to local events. This is a perfect time and place for your voice to be heard and ideas pitched.
The latest large scale event in Bristol was the annexation of the Kauffman farm into Bristol. I was for the annexation but only to gain control over the proposed zoning for commercial manufacturing use. The county of Elkhart would have no problem packing large corporate businesses right up against those that have built a home and a life in the country. When it come to zoning this, I would like to see Bristol require large buffer zones and residential-only sections surrounding the homes of those that are already next to the this property. We need to do our best to protect and respect these individuals who have purposefully built their home in the country and did not choose to live in a busy environment.