Tomorrow’s primary in Fishers is perhaps the most important in the Town’s history. Three long-time incumbents, including the current Town Council President Scott Faultless, are all opposed for the first time in over a decade. And for the first time ever, Geist residents, still upset over the forced annexation, get to vote for their Fishers representation.

This election is probably best summarized by an old saying: “Be careful what you wish for.” Proponents of the annexation, led by incumbents Scott Faultless, Eileen Nash Pritchard, and Stu Easley, now have an energized electorate voting in the republican primary at large. Each Geist voter can cast a vote in each of the seven Fishers precincts, including those of Faultless, Pritchard and Easley. Given that Hamilton County votes predominantly republican, the fall general election could slate a host of new faces on the Fishers Town Council.

Besides the Town Council seats, the Fishers Clerk-Treasurer job is on the line. Linda Gaye Cordell, a school teacher by education, has held the post for 30 years. Two opponents, Pamela Zagar and Jack Colwell, would like to see a change there as well.

As I’ve stated several times throughout the annexation and recently during the republican primaries, I live in Lawrence, not in Fishers. However, I can’t sit on the sidelines and know what I know about the insider politics that has been going on for years and not say something.

I’ve gotten to know several of the candidates running in tomorrow’s primary. Through phone calls, one-on-one coffee meetings, and various public forums, I’ve formulated my advice to my neighbors to the north. Here is my short cheat sheet of candidates that I can personally vouch for and endorse:

District 1: Pete Peterson
I have followed Pete for six years and sat in many a meeting, hearing and court room with him through the annexation process. He not only has the character to be a Town Council representative, he should be the future President of the Fishers Town Council. (PeteforFishers.com)

District 2: Mike Colby OR Monte Chamberlin
Both candidates in my opinion are worthy of the job. Mike has several endorsements and refused PAC money from the Future of Fishers PAC which is behind Faultless, Pritchard, Easley, and Cordell. Chamberlin has a finance background which could prove useful in the coming years. (MonteforFishers.com)

District 3: Renee Cox
She running against Eileen Nash Pritchard and exemplifies open communication, positive spirit, and community service. (CoxForFishersCouncil.com)

District 4: John Weingardt
He is running unopposed in the republican primary, but I’d vote for him even if he was. Serves on the HSE Foundation Board and does a lot in the community. (WeingardtforFishers.com)

District 5: David George
He’s an incumbent running unopposed, but he marches to the beat of his own drummer. David has the Local 4416 Professional Firefighters Union endorsement and a great city planning background.

District 6: Glenn Brown
Running against incumbent Stuart Easley, Glenn is also in the lawsuit against the Town for not putting the city vs. town referendum on the ballot this fall. (Glenn's Facebook Page)

District 7: Parker Stancato
Truly a “David vs. Goliath” candidate, 20 year-old Parker is going up against the 16-year incumbent and sitting council president Scott Faultless. He will get several ABF votes (“Anybody But Faultless”). (Parker's Facebook Page)

As for the Clerk-Treasurer position, I feel most confident in Jack Colwell. Pam Zagar is well-qualified to do the job, but I think Jack brings a better background in finance and process improvement which I’m sure could use some help after a 30-year reign by Cordell.

In the judge spot, I support Loren Delp. He's a strong candidate and he's up against three other candidates, one of which is current Fishers Town Council member Dan Henke.

Important Links:

1. First, find your voting district: Fall Creek Township Precinct Map (pdf)
2. Then, find out where you vote: Hamilton County Polling Locations (pdf)