Commentary by Larry Lannan
With 2015 having drawn to a close, how has Fishers fared in its first year as a city? In my view, the city form of government suits us just fine.
When the issue was debated in the 2012 ballot initiative, voters were faced with a decision – should Fishers remain a town, a reorganized city with a ceremonial mayor and an appointed city manager, or a city with a strong mayor’s office (as are most Indiana cities)?
Although the wording of the referendum ballot was confusing, voters were clear in their decision, approving a strong mayor’s office by a wide margin. Fishers Town Manager Scott Fadness won the Republican primary for mayor in May of 2014, defeating five opponents. He has been unopposed in every election since that primary.
After observing the switch from a town to a city, it is clear to me having a mayor speaking on behalf of local government, with the authority of his office, has helped Fishers in its economic development efforts. The record speaks for itself.
Not everyone in Fishers is excited about the new commercial activity planned. There are many long-time Fishers residents unhappy with new projects, such as the 106th Street interchange at I-69. A major challenge for the city will be finding ways to ease the pain of economic growth for these people.
What will we see in 2016? It is likely the Hamilton Southeastern Schools will conduct a referendum asking voters to fund local education. The push for economic development will continue. Construction adding an additional lane in each direction of I-69 will begin. Then there will be the usual local road construction projects.
Fishers will continue to grow, edging toward a population number of 90,000. Growth brings with it pain along with any gain.
As I look back on 2015, I have reached one important conclusion. The voters were right in approving a city form of government in the 2012 referendum.
