Editor,
There are two sides asking for your support in Fishers next month. Both promise better government through a vote for their side. One, called City Yes, is a group dedicated to adding checks and balances on the power of the local government by adding an elected Mayor and changing the council districts. The other, called Citizens to Reorganize Fishers, asks residents of Fishers and Fall Creek Township to eliminate a layer of government and thus realize savings in the process.
In the recent report of campaign finances for Citizens to Reorganize Fishers, I noticed some interesting things. The top six donors are two law firms, one engineering firm, one current Fishers Town Council member, and two individuals. Each gave more than $2,500 this year. The top individual has a Greenwood address. Of the individuals not already mentioned, only one third of the money donated has been by those with a Fishers mailing address. And Indianapolis addresses (individuals and corporations) have donated a total of $16,000.
One can only wonder at why so many have given to this campaign. What do you think they might be expecting if the ballot question is successful? What kind of interest at all would most of these people or companies have in whether Fishers and Fall Creek Township merge? What business is it of those who live in Carmel, Indianapolis, Anderson, Lakeville, or even Edwardsburg, Mich.?
On the other hand, City Yes has received donations from a whopping total of 8 individuals. No lawyers, engineers, or out of state donors. No $5,000 checks. Only two non-Fishers addresses, for a grand total of $200.
It seems pretty clear to me. If you want to be governed by lawyers, engineers, and the DBPG Political Action Committee (whatever that might be), vote Yes on Question 1. If you want to be governed by your neighbors, friends, and community members, vote No on Question 1, Yes on Question 2, and make Fishers into a real City.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Steve Mathys