Candidates for mayor say growth is coming to Southport

The two men running for mayor of Southport say this small city in southern Marion County is ripe for growth.

Republican incumbent Jesse Testruth and Independent challenger Russell McClure have different ideas on how to lure that growth as they compete to lead this city of about 1,700 residents for the next four years.

Testruth, 64, said his administration has worked to rebuild infrastructure and improve the quality of life in Southport.

"Right now we need mainly for people to start visiting our city and boost our downtown business," Testruth said.

Testruth said a great community begins with its people.

He said he has worked hard to give folks a reason to visit the city by helping to launch a host of fun events, such as the Halloween party and parade on Oct. 24.

"Why wouldn't you want to come to our city?" he asked. "It's got shopping, restaurants, and we've even got banks and the famous Long's doughnuts."

Testruth said his administration has brought new businesses and residents to the city.

The Gerdt Furniture property, vacant since 2013, is being turned into new offices. A $10.8 million senior apartment complex is being built across the street.

The 93-unit Villas at the Plaza is being developed by the Partnership for Affordable Housing and includes 3,000 square feet of new retail space along Southport Road just east of Madison Avenue. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

If elected to a second four-year term, Testruth said, he plans to work with the redevelopment commission to create the city's first tax increment financing district, which would be used to fund municipal improvements designed to attract even more residents and businesses.

Tax increment financing districts allow cities to divert new tax revenue away from other taxing bodies — in this proposal, that would mean Marion County's coffers — and use it to improve streets, sidewalks, sewers and other infrastructure.

The tax increment financing district would provide financing to the developers of the 93-unit apartment complex, with anything left over going toward other city improvements.

"I'm looking forward to the next four years," Testruth said. "We've got a lot coming up."

McClure, 52, has been president of Southport's redevelopment commission since 2012. He joined the race too late to run in the Republican primary, which is why he's running as an independent.

Southport, McClure said, can do much better.

"There's a lot of things the city could be doing a lot better in relation to growing the commercial area and the general image of Southport," McClure said.

As mayor, he said, he would work to improve the look and feel of the city. He wants the streets and sidewalks to look better than those in other parts of Marion County.

He wants to bring in nicer streetlights, better landscaping and improved signage.

"That way, when you cross into Southport, you know you're in a different area," McClure said.

The city has been stagnant too long, McClure said.

"I've been just kind of watching the direction Southport is going," he said. "If the city isn't growing, it dies."

If elected, McClure said, he would leave the party planning to the parks department and other city officials.

As president of the redevelopment commission, McClure said he supports plans to create the city's first tax increment financing district. This kind of district, he said, is Southport's "best tool" for funding future growth.

McClure vowed to work with the Greater Southport Business Alliance and others to draw new development.

"City leadership has to take a stronger role in attracting business and being more business-friendly," McClure said. "The parties, that could be a great job for the parks board. The city's work should really focus on the city's business."

Call Star reporter Vic Ryckaert at (317) 444-2701. Follow him on Twitter: @vicryc.

Candidate biographies

• Vernon Jesse Testruth, Republican

Age: 64.

Family: Fiancée, Angie Kerner; five grown children.

Experience: Southport mayor since 2012. Vietnam veteran; retired from the U.S. Army. Worked for ADT home security for 33 years as a technician.

• John Russell McClure, Independent

Age: 52.

Family: Wife, Linda; daughter, Katie, 17.

Experience: President of the Southport redevelopment commission since 2012. President of the Southport park board from 2011 to 2012. Planning analyst for Indianapolis Public Schools from 2004 to the present.