5th District candidates make their pitch
Davis, McKibben seek election in May 2 Republican primary
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The Kokomo Lantern approached the candidates for the Kokomo Common Council’s Fifth District seat and asked them to tell voters a little about themselves and why they should be elected to office. The position is being contested by two incumbent council members – Greg Davis, who currently holds the seat, and Kara Kitts-McKibben, who is an at-large member of the council seeking election to her district’s position.
Following are the answers given by the two candidates, presented in the order they will appear on the ballot. Primary election day is Tue., May 2. Both candidates appear on the Republican primary ballot.
Why are you seeking election to the Kokomo Common Council?
Greg Davis: In August of 2021, I was elected to fill the District 5 Republican Council seat which was vacated by Councilwoman Cindy Sanders due to medical issues. As the incumbent in District 5, it has been an honor to serve and be the voice of not only those who live within our district but also every citizen in Kokomo.
I’m seeking reelection to the 5th district council seat because I have a desire to continue to serve this city as I have for over 40 years. I have served you for over 32 years as an officer with the Kokomo Police Department and over eight years as the Executive Director of Preserve Marriage Ministries where I have met with and counseled hundreds of couples.
Because of my 40-plus years of experience, I believe I have the knowledge, skills, and abilities that absolutely separate me from the limited exposure of my challenger. I seek reelection because we deserve our most qualified candidates representing us and the city. I have never stopped being your advocate.
Kara Kitts-McKibben: Although we made great strides in job creation, the City still has lots of work to do relating to public safety and overall quality of its infrastructure. I still have the desire to serve, and I’ve had many people come up to me saying that I was the kind of politician that Kokomo needs.
What are your two top priorities for the city, if elected, and how do you intend to address them?
Greg Davis: As the 5th district incumbent, there are some continued needs I would like to get addressed, and I have already approached the city administration about getting them resolved.
I’m thrilled with the repaving that has taken place on Center Road along with the repaving and new sidewalks that have taken place on South Washington. That work, however, stops too short of my goal.
The repaving needs to continue along South LaFountain and may in fact take place this year under the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. I’m sure everyone has noticed there are no sidewalks extending south along South LaFountain either. I have watched residents walk or drive their handicap vehicles in the street because sidewalks simply don’t exist.
I have also approached the city administration about this much-needed addition as citizens need an ability to walk to services like Howard Regional Health, Walgreens, or their local bank, among others. The implementation of about 3,900 feet of sidewalks will require strategic planning because of its projected seven-figure cost along with the need to obtain right of way.
The top priority for the entire council must be working with the city administration as we begin the process of managing our growing pains. While we are extremely blessed to be the recipient of great economic growth that will benefit our city for many years to come, our infrastructure, public safety, and housing needs must be at the forefront of our thought process.
We must collectively focus on long-term planning that can best be addressed through our continued partnerships between the city, county, Kokomo Alliance, and the State of Indiana through funding made available through the READI grant. As the legislative branch of local government, we must be diligent as we consider financial appropriations.
Kara Kitts-McKibben: Going back to my answer regarding the first question I would say my two priorities to focus on are:
1. Public safety: Equipment upgrades, improved salaries, and manpower
2. Kokomo’s infrastructure: streets and sewers repaired, parks upgraded and cleaned up, new sidewalks, and better lighting in residential areas.
I intend to address these priorities by pushing for a budget that will not only provide the departments with enough funds to allow them to catch up to the current size of Kokomo, but one that will be prepared for the upcoming growth of our industry and population.
What should voters know about you as they select their candidate?
Greg Davis: I have always been told that past behavior is a good indicator of future behavior. I have served the citizens of this community for over 40 years. I have seen and experienced things in my life and careers that most people only hear about or see on television.
No one needs to tell me what exists out there or what families and this community face day in and day out. I lived it and saw it every day and still do through the marriage ministry I lead.
While I served on the Kokomo Police Department for 32 years, I was so involved and active and assumed so many simultaneous responsibilities and duties that I can account for over 110 years of experience within those 32 years.
I have been married to my wife Kathy for over 40 years, have served as the Council’s Vice-President in 2022 and 2023, received my Associate’s degree from Indiana University Kokomo, a certification as a Driver’s Education Instructor from Indiana State University, and graduated as a Dean’s Scholar from the world-renowned Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville.
Finally, I have been endorsed for reelection by public leaders including District 38, State Representative Heath VanNatter, Howard County Sheriff Jerry Asher, Council President Ray Collins, Council Finance Chairman Tom Miklik and 4th district councilman Roger Stewart. These are but five of my 22 letters of endorsement.
I have the knowledge, skills, abilities, and leadership experience that have prepared me to continue to serve you. I ask that you vote for Greg Davis and allow me to continue as your 5th district councilman. Thank you.
Kara Kitts-McKibben: Being born, raised, and living on the city’s south end for 41 years, I am committed to putting people first and working tirelessly to create a local government that serves the needs of every Kokomo resident. My voting record has proved just that. I don’t always see eye to eye with everyone, but I make my decisions based on unbiased research and the needs and wants of our community.
I am the one who respects public opinion and will put in the time and work needed to solve their problems. I want Kokomo to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family because it’s always been my home. If re-elected, I will continue serve the community with trust, transparency, and accountability.