Kyle Barlow, a 4th generation farmer from Hendricks township, has announced his election campaign for the Second District seat of the Shelby County Council.
The May 3rd Republican primary will mark Barlow’s first run for an elected position in Shelby County government. Barlow has previously served his community as Treasurer of the Marietta Volunteer Fire Department and as the Chairman for the Hendricks Township Advisory Board.
Over the past two years, Barlow has worked at both the local and state level of government to improve the quality of life and overall safety for Shelby County residents.
Barlow says he is running for office because he wants to be a part of a local leadership team that listens to Shelby County residents.
“I want to work collaboratively with constituents to make our county a better place in the future," he said in a media release. "It is critical to listen to people’s concerns, share information, and be present and actively participate during meetings. I truly want to be a positive influence for the future of Shelby County.”
Barlow believes the County Council needs to retool its use of tax abatements.
“I think we need to research all companies thoroughly. We need to look at their numbers, and their potential impact for Shelby County," he said. "We need to ensure we are bringing in businesses that are the best fit for Shelby County. Not all growth is good and not all growth is bad, but we must be smart about how we use the tax abatements. This is especially true when a company brings few or no permanent jobs.”
Barlow wants to see the Shelby County Council lead efforts to improve communication, transparency, and access to information for the public. Barlow believes council-appointed members of the Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals should be selected through an open application process using best practices seen in other counties.
Barlow holds degrees from Purdue University in Ag Systems Management and Ag Business.
Barlow’s wife, Rachael, is a 5th grade teacher in Greenwood. Their children, Kaden and Madelyn, are students at Southwestern in southern Shelby County.
