On Monday, Jan. 13, Evansville Ward 1 Council Member Ben Trockman started the meeting front and center.
After he was officially appointed City Council President, outgoing President Zach Heronemus placed the gavel beside him, with a smile.
“I hope to bring a fun and collaborative spirit to council,” Trockman said. “I hope to really promote a positive atmosphere where people are working hard for the City of Evansville.”
Trockman said priorities as president include affordable housing, sidewalks and road paving and a better sign ordinance. He was first elected to council in 2019.
Trockman’s appointment is notable because he is paralyzed in four limbs following a motocross accident in 2006, and needs specialized equipment to breathe.
Pam Kirk is mission, communications and impact specialist for Easter Seals Evansville. Her organization works directly with local residents with disabilities to provide therapy — including Trockman following his accident.
As far as she knows, Trockman’s appointment is unique, at least in the history of the city.
“We aren't even aware of anyone in the state who's been in that situation and has reached that level,” Kirk said. “The fact that Ben is now the new president of the city council for Evansville, I think says a lot, not only about him and his leadership skills and the achievements that he's already made in his life, but it says a lot about our community.”
Trockman can remember when the Vanderburgh County Civic Center, where City Council meetings are held, was less accessible, when there was no ramp to get to the dais in case a council or commission member was wheelchair bound.
In terms of accessibility, the building wasn’t “welcoming,” he said.
“And so in terms of accessibility and technology, it's having the faith of the people to invest in technology and accessibility to get to where I am today,” he said.
A unique accommodation for Trockman during meetings is a hands-free microphone installed before him at his place at the bench. Normally members hit a button to turn the microphone on.
He also uses voice recognition technology to compose emails and documents. Sometimes he works from home via web video, especially when he's working his day job.
“And I would say, as much as there is technology, it's about the people that have supported me along the way, that has given me the opportunity to lead in this way.”
Douglas Woodwell is president of the United Spinal Association of Indiana, a branch of the national United Spinal Association.
He said Trockman’s appointment is important because of the representation he provides. Woodwell, a paraplegic, said an able-bodied person might not think about things like keeping snow out of handicap parking spots.
“It would never occur to them,” Woodwell said. “And you need that kind of representation, that kind of eye a lot of times, to identify the problems in the first place.”
He said accessibility has come a long way, but more work is needed in the public space — especially concerning private businesses.
Trockman agrees with Woodwell that he can provide representation for disabled individuals — and it’s why he ran.
His appointment is unique and historic as an individual achievement. Also unique is the opportunity to work closely with his brother Joshua (JR) Trockman, city council attorney.
With Ben appointed as council president, they sit right next to each other at meetings. As the council moves through the agenda, JR places documents within his brother’s field of view as Ben runs the meeting. JR will also be the one to bang the gavel.
Ben said in general, the council attorney keeps the president on-task and understanding the issues before them.
His first meeting there were officer and committee meeting appointments and union contract agreements.
“So it's important to have a counselor that understands the issues, and then you feel comfortable leading throughout the meeting, but the dynamic of having a brother as an attorney sitting next to you makes it even that more special.”
JR became part of Ben’s civic life after he was elected, attending other council meetings with him even before JR became the council attorney.
“We've always enjoyed our dynamic, and this is what we've always wanted,” JR said. “We've always wanted to work together to help better our community, and this was one of the first opportunities for us to do it together. And seemed like a no brainer.”
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