On today’s show I sat down with Zionsville mayor John Stehr, who has prioritized the city’s small-town identity despite its population more than tripling this century.
A former TV journalist of 42 years and longtime WTHR anchor, Stehr was elected as the mayor of Zionsville in 2023 after running on better communication, civility, and responsible growth. He recalls his broadcasting path from Pittsburgh through multiple markets, his view of news, and why he left as media economics and opinion pressures increased.
John explains how serving on the parks board revealed communication gaps that motivated his campaign, including knocking on over 5,000 doors and focusing on listening.
As mayor, his priorities include improving traffic and emergency access near the Brick Street area with a planned double-roundabout realignment, managing rapid population growth while preserving Zionsville’s charming character, supporting housing needs, and backing community projects like parks improvements, a youth advisory council, and a Watch Us Farm initiative for adults with developmental disabilities.
If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.
You are going to learn about:
Door-to-Door Campaigning
Responsibilities of Being a Mayor
The Watch Us Farm Initiative
Thank you to our partner:
NCW
Check out these great clips from the show:
01:19 Guest Introduction: John Stehr, Zionsville Mayor
02:42 Broadcasting Roots and Career Path
03:51 Night Beat and Garfield Story
05:26 CBS to WTHR and Leaving News
07:52 Journalism as Public Service
