Josh Masquelier believes the most essential tasks of city government have been neglected for too long.
“Potholes, public safety, litter, maintaining the parks,” Masquelier said. “These issues are not complicated.”
As the newest city-county councilor for District 21, which includes the southwest side, Masquelier is hoping to improve quality of life for his neighbors who he says feel neglected by a local government that prioritizes downtown development.
The Marion County Republican Party held a caucus Sept. 2 to fill a vacancy in the district. Masquelier was the only candidate to submit his name for the open seat.
Masquelier recognizes his limitations. As one of six Republicans on the 25-member council, his party doesn’t hold the same level of power as the Democrats.
And he recognizes that his work on the council will be a change of pace from his role on the Decatur Township Board. The last time he attended a City-County Council meeting, he witnessed several people being removed from the council chambers.
“It was wild,” he recalled.
Masquelier will finish the remainder of Josh Bain’s term. Bain resigned last month to accept an appointment to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, a state board responsible for approving or denying rate increases from utility companies.
Masquelier has been involved in Republican politics for years. He began serving on the Decatur Township Board in 2021 and also serves as president of the Decatur Township Republican Club.
His day job involves working in sales for Pump Pros, an Ohio-based company that distributes industrial pumps, mechanical seals, and other equipment to various industries. The councilor position is part-time and pays about $37,000 per year.
Masquelier is a husband and father to five children. The family attends Valley Mills Christian Church in Decatur Township.
Along with the other 24 councilors, Masquelier will be up for reelection in 2027.
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Peter Blanchard covers local government. Reach him by phone or Signal at 317-605-4836 or peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @peterlblanchard.
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