Editor,
As a World War II veteran (Army Air Corps, 43rd Bomb Group, SWPA), I took part in this year’s Memorial Day ceremony in Fishers May 30. I sat by Mayor Scott Fadness at the ceremony. I told him I really appreciated what he did to help update the Sunblest area where I live. Among other things, one of his initiatives was to have the sidewalks repaired where tree roots or wear had damaged them.
I casually mentioned that it wasn’t tree roots but the ground sinking under the sidewalk at my residence that made it perilous. He asked where I lived and said he would meet me at 8 a.m. and take a look. Director of Public Works Eric Pethtel arrived first and determined the number of sidewalk blocks that would be replaced. Mayor Fadness arrived precisely at 8 a.m., noted the damage, agreed on the repair, then asked Eric and me to go to breakfast with him. With great loads of responsibility for the present and future welfare of the City of Fishers, the mayor still took time for a little guy.
I’m writing this as an ordinary resident since 1987 when the town was only 3,000 in number; now the city may well be over 85,000. I am amazed at the way Mayor Fadness took time even for an old, old man. With a huge heart of sensitivity our mayor is a man of character, esteem and grace. The sidewalk has been repaired in an excellent, professional manner by a city crew — foremen Mark Cowan, Taylor Halstead, Marcus Taylor and Justin Griffey. They did a great job. Drive by and see the new sidewalk at Madden Drive just off Wainwright Boulevard.
Wayne E. Caldwell