Commentary by P.S. Barta
As Fishers becomes a city, it is important citizens register to vote and actually vote, either in early voting, Oct. 7 to Nov. 2 at the Hamilton County Election office in Noblesville, or on Election Day, Nov. 4, between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at your assigned polling place. Fishers has four important races to decide for six of the nine City Council seats.
Voters who are dissatisfied with how our Town Council is spending or ignoring public comments should seize this opportunity to install new voices (and ears) at the City Council table, even bring a new balance of political party representation. Candidates elected this year in November serve a one year term, so the new Fishers can get on the statewide municipal election cycle in 2015. One could think of this election and the year term that follows as a “free trial” before having to elect a Council for a four-year term.
The legislative branch controls spending, makes laws and guidelines, and is the nearest influence on the quality of life for the governed. Our City Council takes this role.
Two contested Council races has incumbents facing challengers, John Weingardt (R) vs. Gregory Purvis (D) SC district, and David George (R) vs. Justin Kilgore (D) SW district. The other two contested races represent new hands raised; NW district brings Kent Nelson (D) vs. Selina Stoller (R), and the choose-three At-Large race brings Democrat Maryellen Bein, and Republicans Rich Block, Cecilia Coble, and Todd Zimmerman to the ballot. Republican incumbents Pete Peterson (SE), Eric Moeller (NC), and Stuart Easley (NE) are challenger free and thus will serve as City Council members until the 2015 Municipal election cycle. Every voter will be voting for three or four of the six seats undecided—so, voter, fill your half of the Council.
Evaluate incumbents by attending a Town Council meeting held on first and third Mondays at Town Hall. Meet the challengers by attending events like the upcoming League of Women Voters’ candidate debate on Oct. 8 at Town Hall.
Consider ending the definition of insanity by voting differently; Choose candidates who best represent you and support the vision for the new City of Fishers you believe in.
P. S. Barta is a freelance writer, and election worker living in Fishers. Read more at SpeakingUp.PSBarta.com.
