This is part one of the Bike & Pedestrian Advocacy & Infrastructure episode. We first talk to two mayors about how they balance and work towards their local goals for bike and pedestrian accessibility for their communities. Check out their biographies below.
Let's talk about bike & pedestrian advocacy & infrastructure at a local level. We with Mayor Matt Gentry (City of Lebanon), Mayor Brandon Sakbun (City of Terre Haute) and Kevin Whited (City of Carmel) about the ins and outs of the background administrative work of creating accessibility and infrastructure for cycling and pedestrian.
Mayor Matt Gentry was elected to his first four-year term in November 2015. At the time of his swearing-in, he was the second youngest Mayor in Indiana; aged 26. Mayor Gentry is a graduate of Purdue University with degrees in Political Science and Economics. After graduating college, Mayor Gentry worked at the Indiana House of Representatives and then as partner in a small business based here in Lebanon. https://lebanon.in.gov/mayors-office/
As mayor, Gentry has emphasized preparing for Lebanon’s bright future. He has worked to improve the quality of life within the city by revitalizing our Historic Downtown square as well as growing and improving our beautiful parks and trails. He has also focused on rehabilitating the City’s infrastructure by making significant investments toward Lebanon’s roads and sidewalks. With the help of the City Council, Lebanon added six additional firefighters and five police officers in Gentry’s first term. Gentry has brought jobs and attracted many businesses large and small under his tenure. These companies include Ken’s Foods, GXO Logistics, MonoSol, NewCold, Continental Tire, and many others.'
Mayor Brandon Sakbun, Born and raised in Terre Haute, Indiana, Sakbun also served for years and was deployed overseas in the army as a ranger. Starting his career in public service, Sakbun strives to bring positive change to his hometown and community. IU Grad, Sakbun is an aggressive and accomplished individual who is tackling so many great projects for the City. Sakbun was sworn into office in January 2024.https://www.terrehaute.in.gov/mayors-office
