After Jeff Miller's resignation, Indianapolis GOP needs someone to 'run vigorously in 2019'

James Briggs | IndyStar

Two weeks after Jeff Miller's resignation from the City-County Council, there is no clear successor in the wings to represent the Downtown Indianapolis district he vacated.

The Marion County Republican Party has scheduled a Sept. 11 caucus meeting to select the next District 16 councilor. But Republicans are still seeking candidates to serve the remainder of the four-year term, county GOP Chairman Jim Merritt said.

Republicans want someone who can not only serve on the council for 15 months, but also pivot to campaign mode. Indianapolis council and mayoral elections will be held in November 2019, leaving a new council member with precious little time to prepare for a re-election bid.

Miller, a Republican, pleaded guilty to four counts of battery on a person less than 14 years old on Aug. 14. He resigned from the council the same day, opening up a seat that represents Fletcher Place, Fountain Square and the Old Southside.

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Several Indianapolis Republicans have told IndyStar they hoped Jefferson Shreve, a business owner and former councilor who lives in District 16, would rejoin the council. But Shreve told IndyStar that if he were appointed to the council, he is not certain he would run for re-election next year, which likely is a deal breaker.

"I'm not sure who our candidate is going to be, but it's not likely me," Shreve said. "I said I would be happy to jump in and serve in (Miller's) current term, but I wasn't willing to commit to running in '19."

Merritt told IndyStar that other potential candidates include Judith Essex, the president of the Old Southside Neighborhood Association; real estate developer Derek Naber; and Tony Simeone, a firefighter who is active in the Holy Rosary Neighborhood Organization.

Simeone, though, told IndyStar he doesn't think he can be a candidate this time around. Simeone plans to retire from the Indianapolis Fire Department next year, but that job represents a conflict of interest in the meantime.

"I'm interested in it, but I have a problem," he said, adding he would consider running for the seat next year after he retires.

Neither Essex nor Naber immediately responded to requests for comment.

Merritt, a state senator who is considering a run for mayor, said he expects more candidates to emerge before county Republicans caucus.

Shreve, who holds a vote as a Republican committee member, said it will be important to select a strong campaigner. District 16 includes some of Indianapolis' most politically engaged neighborhoods and is considered to lean Democratic despite Miller's win in 2015.

Democrats hold a 14-11 advantage on the council and Republicans likely must hold onto District 16 to regain a majority next year.

"We want a candidate that will want to run and run vigorously in 2019," Shreve said. "I think, for the Republican Party, District 16 is going to be very competitive."

Miller resigns: Jeff Miller reaches plea deal, resigns from City-County Council

Call IndyStar reporter James Briggs at 317-444-6307. Follow him on Twitter: @JamesEBriggs.