We are just over a month away from the May 3rd primary election. What will Fishers residents have on their election ballots, and where do the contests stand now?
For people living in Fishers, the school referendum is likely of most importance to people living here. The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board is asking for 22.75 cents per $100 per assessed valuation in increased property taxes. A previous referendum, set to expire next year, already has a 10 cents per $100 of valuation added to property tax bills, which means HSE is asking for 12.75 cents above the current referendum rate. Since the state allows several deductions, figuring the additional taxes you would pay if the referendum passes can be a challenge. A tax calculator on the Web site of Advance HSE, a political action committee organized to advocate for the enactment of the referendum, says a home valued at $250,000 would pay $13.84 a month over the current property tax rate. The money from this referendum would be used to pay teachers, lower class sizes and enhance academic programs. The extra money could also go to lowering (or eliminating) fees parents now pay for athletics and other extracurricular activities. So far, no organized opposition to this referendum has emerged.
Since Republicans hold just about all the offices in Hamilton County, whomever wins the primary election in the GOP column will be a heavy favorite in the November general election. Let’s look at a few Republican races of interest to Fishers residents.
In county government, it can be argued that the most important office is county commissioner, roughly equivalent to mayors of cities. Most Indiana counties have 3 county commissioners, and that’s what Hamilton County does. Two of the three commissioners are up for reelection. Steve Dillinger is unopposed for reelection in District 2. Mark Heirbrandt is the incumbent District 3 Commissioner. District 3 includes the City of Fishers. Heirbrandt is opposed by Fishers restaurant proprietor Bill Smythe. Heirbrandt is already airing ads on local cable TV. Smythe recently held a fund-raiser he called “Voters or Vendors,” a reference to political contributions to incumbent Heirbrandt.
The Hamilton County Council holds the purse strings to county government. Three at-large council seats are up for grabs in this primary election. Two incumbents, Rick McKinney and Brad Beaver, are seaking reelection. Sadly, incumbent Councilman Jim Belden died recently and will not be on the ballot. There is a total of 5 people seeking 3 seats. Two of the hopefuls have Fishers ties. Long-time Fishers Police Chief George Kehl and Fall Creek Township Trustee Jeff Hern are both seeking a council seat. Bill Dennis is the fifth name appearing on the council ballot.
Incumbent U.S. Congresswoman Susan Brooks has two primary opponents in this primary, Mike Campbell and Stephen Mackenzie.
The major state-wide GOP race will be for U.S. Senate, with two current Indiana congressmen, Todd Young and Marlin Stutzman, vying to appear on the November Senate ballot. Incumbent Republican Senator Dan Coats is choosing not to run for another term.
Then there’s the presidential primary. I guess we’ll see if all three contenders – Trump, Cruz & Kasich, are still in the race May 3rd.
If you are a Democrat, the ballot will not have nearly as many names. There are two candidates competing to challenge incumbent Congresswoman Brooks. Allen Davidson has previously run for congress. Angela Demaree has been endorsed by the Democratic Party.
Then there’s the presidential race with two names appearing, Hilary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
In Indiana, you must declare a party affiliation to vote in the primary. However, if you choose not to select a party, you are allowed to vote in the school referendum only.
We are heading into the last few weeks of the campaign. LarryInFishers will be watching developments and writing here, as well as producing Podcasts on the election campaign.