March 2, 2023
Carmel, IN – Sue Finkam for Carmel Mayor and team opened a campaign headquarters. The headquarters is located near Meijer at 12411 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel.
“The headquarters will serve as a centralized place for volunteers to pick up signs, get tshirts and to complete phone banking and mailings,” said Sue Finkam.
For a tour, or to schedule a time to volunteer, email chris@suefinkam.com.
February 23, 2023
Carmel, IN – Today, Sue Finkam, candidate for Carmel Mayor, announced the formation of a Youth Advisory Group for her campaign and proposed changes to the Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council to give our young generations a voice in Carmel’s future.
“As a mother, giving our youth a seat at the table is important to assuring generational growth for Carmel families. When my son graduates college, I want him to return home to our community and grow his career and family. As Mayor, I want to ensure our city remains the bet place to live, raise a family, start a business and retire,” said Sue Finkam.
February 8, 2023
Carmel, IN – Today, Sue Finkam, candidate for Carmel Mayor, released her public safety plan for the city of Carmel. The plan prioritizes public safety through performance, communication, cooperation, and efficiency metrics.
“The safety of Carmel residents is the most important job of the mayor. My plan includes greater collaboration amongst our public safety stakeholders, City Hall, and our community. I’ll use data to make smart decisions, invest in our people, and continue to deliver exceptional services to our residents to ensure we have the safest, most secure city in America.”
February 3, 2023
Sue Finkam, Carmel City Council member and candidate for Carmel mayor, visited PrimeLife Enrichment, Inc. to. understand the activities provided to seniors in our community and came away very impressed. Not only does Prime Life provide exercise classes, swim lessons, dance lessons and a walking track, they offer all sorts of art lessons, crafts, education and meals. They also provide free transportation for seniors to doctors appointments and more. An on-site thrift store helps cover costs – stop in to check it out or drop off donated items.
“With over 400 members, this is a community gem,” stated Finkam. “Thank you to Exec Director Gary Wagner and Board Chair Marsha for the tour!”
January 27, 2023
Sue Finkam, Carmel City Council member and candidate for Carmel mayor, assisted in the ribbon cutting for a franchise new to Carmel called KidStong.
“It was such a pleasure to be a part of the launch of a new organization in Carmel. KidStrong is dedicated to brain, physical and character development of kids. With a motto of Helping Kids Win at Life, it’s not just a play area for the littles. Impressive mission, facilities, staff and owners. My son would have loved this when he was younger!”
KidStrong’s Carmel location is at 13744 N. Meridian Street. Located by Brunchies off of Rohrer Road, they will be opening very soon.
January 26, 2023
A disturbing issue for the Humane Society for Hamilton County is that pet owners who acquired pups during COVID are surrendering them in record numbers as they return back to working in offices. Additionally, many pets from owners whose health or independence is on the decline are also in needs of homes. The center is at capacity.
Sue Finkam, candidate for Carmel mayor, toured the new facility and spoke with their President and CEO Rebecca Stevens, CFRM. “I got to see first-hand how this non-profit is providing top-notch care for these animals but needs our help to find forever homes and donate goods or funds.” 
January 27, 2023
Sue Finkam, candidate for Carmel Mayor, picked up her first key endorsement leading up to the primary. Kelly Mitchell, former two-term Treasurer of State, released this statement to coincide with her endorsement:
“Sue Finkam is a successful businesswoman who cares deeply about our community. She will bring fresh ideas and will work tirelessly to build upon Carmel’s many successes. Most importantly, she will listen to her constituents and give each of us a voice. I am very proud to endorse Sue Finkam to be Carmel’s next mayor.”
January 26, 2023
Sue Finkam, candidate for Carmel mayor, held a meet and greet for Carmel residents at BASH events center.
“I was thrilled to see such a great turnout, and speak to so many residents that are curious about this race. Even though the primary is just a little over 100 days out, people are generally concerned about Carmel’s future and want to ensure that whoever takes over for Mayor Brainard is professional, proven and poised for the challenge. It was great to demonstrate that I am, and invite them to follow me on this journey.”
January 19, 2023
Sue Finkam, candidate for Carmel Mayor, joined the OneZone Women’s Network (OWN) committe. OWN’s mission is to create an environment that empowers all women to achieve personal and professional success. Sue was an instrumental part of the OneZone Women’s Summit this past year.
From OneZone: “[W]e are so excited to have you joining the OWN committee fully. We can’t wait to see the impact OWN has this year empowering personal and professional growth in our communities. Thank you OWN for all you do!”
January 19, 2023
Carmel, IN – Sue Finkam, candidate for Carmel mayor, announced that Carmel residents Laura Campbell and Craig Dunn have agreed to serve as campaign co-chairs. “These individuals have a proven record of serving Hoosiers,” said Finkam. “I am excited to have access to their knowledge and experience throughout my campaign as we work to elevate Carmel and bring more transparency and a community-driven vision to City Hall.”
Laura Campbell statement:
“Sue Finkam has strong credentials to lead Carmel into the city’s next chapter and I am excited to join her team. Sue’s commitment to our city and her determination and vision to continue to build on Carmel’s successes and making Carmel the best place to live, work, play and retire sets her apart in this field.”
Craig Dunn statement:
“Sue’s background in business combined with her experience on city council makes her the most qualified candidate to lead Carmel. I’m excited to lend my expertise and counsel to ensuring Sue Finkam is Carmel’s next mayor!”
January 14, 2023
Sue Finkam, candidate for Carmel Mayor, joined Jacob Bailey on his radio show at 91.3 WHJE, which is Carmel High School’s student radio station. We discussed the community, my candidacy and other fun local things. The interivew will soon be available at the link.
January 12, 2023
Current Carmel City Council member Sue Finkam officially filed paperwork as a candidate for mayor of Carmel. “Today, I filed my declaration of candidacy for Carmel mayor,” Finkam said. “Because community engagement and growing future leaders is important is part of who I am, I invited six future leaders to join me. Not only did they learn about what a mayor does, they watched me file then submitted their own declarations to be great community leaders. Thank you to the Hamilton County Elections Office for making the kids feel special.”
January 10, 2023
Indianapolis Monthly’s Adam Wren spoke with the marketing executive and three-term city councilor who is running to replace the outgoing seven-term mayor Jim Brainard and elevate Carmel to new heights.
January 6, 2023
CARMEL, IN – Sue Finkam, business executive and candidate for Carmel mayor, announced today the hiring of key positions on her campaign team. “I’m really proud of this diverse and experienced team we’ve begun assembling,” said Finkam. “They’re agile, smart and scrappy and know what it takes to win, emblematic of the spirit I’ll bring to city hall.”
November 15, 2022
CARMEL, IN – Business executive and three-term city council member Sue Finkam announced today her candidacy for Carmel Mayor. “After more than two months of encouragement from business, community and religious leaders, it became clear that the people of Carmel want another voice in this race,” says Finkam.
“I am running to give Carmel residents a voice,” continues Finkam. “My executive experience will allow me to ensure Carmel’s city government is accessible, effective and efficient while maintaining our high quality of life.”
An accomplished leader in the business world, she is also a strong voice for her council district. Finkam has served in the leadership of the council four times, as finance chair numerous years and co-founded LetsTalkCarmel.com, a transparency portal.
“Make no doubt about it – this race is for the future of Carmel. We have an incredible community, and we need to elect the right leader to keep Carmel a special place to live, work, raise a family and retire,” says Finkam. “I am well equipped to be that leader and welcome this challenge to take Carmel to the next level.”
November 9, 2022
Councilor Sue Finkam spoke with Prairie View residents regarding the Conner Prairie development proposed for the west side of the White River. Finkam was able to provide updates on the proposal, and listen to residents’ concerns so she can work with the petitioner and city government to create a better project.
Of utmost concern to residents are the proposed hotel and commercial square footage. Finkam shared with residents she is opposed to the hotel and has requested a reduction in building heights along the river as well.
October 27, 2022
Fire Starter LLC CEO/Founder and Carmel City Councilor Sue Finkam was honored as a 2022 IBJ Woman of Influence at a breakfast event in Indianapolis. IBJ’s Women of Influence program recognizes women who have risen to the highest levels of business, the arts, and community and public service in central Indiana.
October 17, 2022
Councilor Sue Finkam introduced an ordinance to prevent large trucks parking within the Legacy urban district to improve aesthetics and reduce concerns about safety. The no-parking zone runs along both sides of Community Drive up to a point 555 feet south of the intersection of Community Drive and 146th Street. The council approved an ordinance on first reading establishing a three-hour parking zone on a portion of Community Drive.
Councilor Finkam worked with the street department to install temporary signs the next day, worked with Carmel Police Department to begin enforcment and informed the Legacy Master HOA of the new rule so new sign posts could be ordered for installation.
October 13, 2022
OneZone Chamber of Commerce held its inaugural OneZone Women’s Summit sponsored by Krieg DeVault. This summit, co-chaired by City Councilor Sue Finkam, is the first of its kind in Hamilton County. The summit was a one-day event held on October 13th from 8am to 4pm at FORUM Conference Center.
The summit hosted approximately 80 participants and included several keynotes, and a variety of breakout sessions. “As we continue to grow our Women’s Initiative, we are excited to add the summit as an annual event for Hamilton County. This summit will be a great way to continue our mission of empowering women to achieve personal and professional success.” Stated Jack Russell, President of OneZone Chamber.
October 1, 2022
Meadowlark Park has been updated as part of the Reimagining Parks initiative, made possible by the Clay Township Impact Program. Located in the heart of the city’s Arts & Design District, Meadowlark Park offers an escape into nature and outdoor recreation just steps from the hustle and bustle of shops and restaurants. Councilor Sue Finkam attended in addition to other city, township and park leaders, along with many eager community participants.
July 17, 2022
Explore ATI’s Episode #18 – Lunch Break with ATI and Don Farrell with Sue Finkam – Carmel City Councilwoman
June 8, 2022
“There ha[ve] been concerns about why is one neighborhood is getting repaved and mine isn’t when our neighborhood is older than the other one etcetera,” said Sue Finkam, a Carmel City Councilor. “So, the reason we are really excited about this technology is it provides an objective view to rating the conditions of the street.
“We potentially don’t have to repave the entire section of a street but maybe just address a particular pavement defect and it also allows us to plan better with future budget dollars,” Finkam said.
May 10, 2022
Council member Sue Finkam, along with councilors Laura Campbell, Tony Green and Tim Hannon, introduced an ordinance to begin a process that allows for an evaluation and potential vacancy creation of a council member’s seat.
March 23, 2022
Carmel City Council unanimously amended its code to allow fireworks on Diwali, a day of celebration for Hindus around the world.
“I think this is really important for our community and gives some certainty to the rest of the community on what day it would be held,” said City Councilor Sue Finkam, one of six councilors to sponsor the ordinance.”
January 20, 2022
Council President Sue Finkam attends ribbon cutting and grand opening of Benchmark Physical Therapy’s latest office in Legacy.
January 12, 2022
The hearing was open to public testimony and first up to the lectern was Sue Finkam, president of the Carmel City Council.
Finkam touched on what she thought was an absurdity, saying they “appropriate $140 million of the budget every year” but cannot control fireworks. She said the city council in 2014 tried to further limit the use of fireworks but discovered, under current Indiana law, they could not.
May 14, 2021
Officials from Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, Clay Township and the City of Carmel gathered May 12 at Carey Grove Park to celebrate renovations completed in January. Sue Finkam, Carmel City Council president and northeast district councilor, was a speaker.
The park features new playground equipment, year-round bathrooms, a basketball court, permanent outdoor exercise equipment, an expanded parking lot, resurfaced trails and picnic shelters. (Photos by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
January 21, 2021
The Carmel City Council will be under new leadership in 2021 as council members elected Sue Finkam as president. Finkam served as vice president in 2020 under former Council President Laura Campbell. In addition to those changes, several new concil committee changes were announced.
September 23, 2020
The City will paid tribute to its first roundabout built in Carmel by unveiling a special new historical marker. Homeowners from surrounding neighborhoods were invited to participate in a ceremony marking the occasion. Northeast Carmel City Councilor Sue Finkam was on hand to speak at the ceremony.
December 15, 2019
Carmel City Council has made history by electing a leadership team made up of two women – the first time that’s happened since Carmel became a city in 1976. Laura Campbell was elected president of the Council and Sue Finkam is vice president for the 2020 year. While Carmel has had several women serve on the Council in the past – including Luci Snyder who served one term as president – the dual leadership of Campbell and Finkam is a historic first.
