To the Residents of Zionsville and the Zionsville Town Council:

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens, call upon Sarah Sampson to resign from the Zionsville Town Council, or alternatively, step away from her council duties while serious legal allegations against her are resolved through the court system.

A recently filed lawsuit in Boone County Superior Court alleges conduct involving an elderly Zionsville resident, Carolyn Pennington, including claims of undue influence, elder exploitation, interference with estate planning, isolation from family members, and actions surrounding the transfer of valuable family property.

These allegations have not been proven in court, and every individual is entitled to due process under the law. However, the nature and seriousness of the claims raise legitimate concerns about public confidence in elected leadership.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs allege that:

Carolyn Pennington suffered from documented cognitive decline and dementia.
Long-standing estate planning documents were altered shortly before her death.
Family members were prevented from communicating with her during her final weeks.
Significant real estate assets were transferred under disputed circumstances.
Attorneys, notaries, and other parties participated in transactions that are now being challenged in court.
Plaintiffs are seeking damages, injunctive relief, and a jury trial.
Regardless of the ultimate outcome of the litigation, the allegations themselves are substantial enough to create a cloud over the office Sarah Sampson currently holds.

Town Council members are entrusted with making decisions that affect every resident of Zionsville. Public officials must be held to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct. When serious allegations involving elder care, fiduciary responsibilities, and disputed property transfers become the subject of active litigation, public trust is inevitably impacted.

This petition is not a determination of guilt. Rather, it is a call for accountability and for protecting the integrity of local government while the legal process unfolds.

We respectfully request that:

Sarah Sampson voluntarily resign from the Zionsville Town Council, or
Sarah Sampson temporarily step aside from council duties until the litigation is resolved, and
The Zionsville Town Council publicly address the matter and explain how it intends to maintain public confidence in local government.
The citizens of Zionsville deserve leadership that is beyond reproach and government that maintains the public's trust.

Sign this petition if you believe transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership matter in Zionsville.