Indianapolis – Residents of District 21 on the city’s southwest side have a new advocate on the Marion County‑Indianapolis City‑County Council. Josh Masquelier, a longtime Republican activist and former Decatur Township board member, was appointed on Sept. 2 to finish the term of former councilor Josh Bain.
Local concerns take center stage
Masquelier told reporters the council’s most basic responsibilities have been overlooked for too long. “Potholes, public safety, litter, maintaining the parks – these issues are not complicated,” he said. He framed his mission as restoring quality of life for neighbors who feel ignored by a government that often focuses on downtown development.
As the only candidate to submit a name for the vacant seat, Masquelier entered the council with a clear, community‑first agenda. He acknowledges his position is modest – the council has six Republicans out of 25 members – but he believes a focused effort can still make a difference.
From township board to city‑county council
Masquelier’s political résumé includes service on the Decatur Township Board since 2021 and a stint as president of the Decatur Township Republican Club. He recalled his last council meeting, where several attendees were escorted out, describing it as “wild” and underscoring the need for civility in public forums.
He will serve the remainder of Bain’s term, which ends in 2027. Bain resigned after being appointed to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the state agency that reviews utility rate requests.
Balancing work, family and faith
Outside of public service, Masquelier works in sales for Pump Pros, an Ohio‑based distributor of industrial pumps and related equipment. The council seat is part‑time and carries a salary of about $37,000 per year.
He is a husband and father of five, and his family attends Valley Mills Christian Church in Decatur Township. The personal commitment to family and faith informs his public‑service philosophy, emphasizing safe streets and well‑maintained community spaces for children and seniors alike.
Looking ahead
All 25 councilors, including Masquelier, will face re‑election in 2027. For now, Masquelier’s focus is on tangible, everyday improvements – fixing potholes, enhancing police visibility, cleaning up litter and ensuring parks remain welcoming places for recreation and fellowship.
His appointment underscores the importance of local representation in a city where partisan balance is often tilted toward Democrats. By championing straightforward, non‑partisan issues, Masquelier hopes to bridge that gap and give southwest side residents a stronger voice in municipal decisions.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
