By Nancy Edwards
What will these candidates bring to the table?
Speculation has been growing since the beginning of this year. Three candidates have recently stepped forward to announce their intention to run for Mayor for next year’s election.
Town Manager Scott Fadness, former Town Council President Walt Kelly and Town Council member Renee Cox will campaign for the future Mayor’s seat. Primary elections will be held in May followed by the general election in November 2014. The Town of Fishers, which will become a city in 2015, will also add six district council members, three at-large council members and a city clerk.
Fadness, 31, has been a seven-year resident of Fishers and Town Manager for three years. Raised in North Dakota, he attended Indiana University in Bloomington and received his graduate degree in public affairs with local government management. He has been married to wife Aunna for three years. A Republican, Fadness said he considers himself “100 percent future oriented to the community.”
Moving forward
“We have so much potential here in Fishers,” he said. “Now is the time to move our community forward.”
Fadness said his plan of advancing the future city involves putting together an economic plan, embracing entrepreneurship opportunities and creating a strong sense of community by developing downtown to give Fishers “a great sense of identity.”
In addition, his vision includes efficient managing of departments to provide the highest level of service at the lowest cost possible.
Fadness also acknowledged the growing increase in crime, as Fishers’ population has risen over recent years from about 20,000 to 83,000 residents. “We will continue to evolve the fire and police department (to address this problem),” he said.
Thinking outside the box
Renee Cox, 42 and an 18-year resident of central Indiana and Town Council member for the past 2 ½ years, originally hails from northwest Illinois. A healthcare professional, Cox received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Ill. She has been married to her husband, David, for 10 years and enjoys spending time with her goddaughter and 12 nieces and nephews.
Cox, a Republican, also has a strong sales and recruiting background. She said she believes her experience with implementing relationships, negotiating contracts and having a strong customer service approach are all assets when working with the public.
“We have highly educated and talented residents here in Fishers and a quality of life that is not commonly found,” she said. “Companies throughout the country may find a new ‘home’ in Fishers, and I will seek them out and bring them here.”
In addition, she said she does not believe in a “cookie cutter” approach with a variety of issues, whether they are related to matters concerning economic development or improving radio communication abilities among firemen.
“I think outside of the box with calculated risks,” she said.
Education, safety and economic development
Walter Kelly is no stranger to Fishers, having been a resident for 37 years. A former president of Fishers Town Council from 1973 to 2000, the Republican has been married to his wife, Sheila, for 43 years. He has two sons, a daughter and four grandchildren. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Indiana University, Kelly served basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana for the Army National Guard.
During Kelly’s leadership with Fishers Town Council, he maintained one of the lowest tax rates in the state. As well, he facilitated the construction of Town Hall, initiated Fishers Freedom Festival and parade and was awarded the Town of Fishers “Key to the City” in 2001.
Kelly said he plans to take into account traffic congestion issues, natural boundaries, and financial impact of decisions. “For example, the old A&W Root Beer location at 116th and Lantern Road has been empty for years,” Kelly said. “I think it’s because traffic makes that location less desirable than it should be. These things need to be taken into account. I favor sustainable economic development over “any” economic development.
In addition, Kelly said he believes funding is a major challenge in Fishers schools. “Research supports that well-managed school systems with proven academic performance help attract employers and families to our community,” he said.
Lastly, Kelly noted the recent increase in burglaries and vehicle break-ins throughout Fishers. “Our public officials do a fantastic job, but it’s not all on them. Are we giving them all of the resources they need? Are we budgeting properly for personnel and equipment?”
The new Mayor will take office on Jan. 1, 2015.
