This year’s primary election is about more than presidential politics and a U.S. Senate race.  There are important offices up for grabs in Hamilton County that have an impact on people living in Fishers.

The most important is the election for county commissioner.  Most Indiana counties have 3 commissioners and they act as the mayors of the counties.  They make most of the administrative decisions and are key to choosing county government priorities.

Hamilton County’s Commissioners are Christine Altman, Steve Dillinger and Mark Heirbrandt.  Altman is not up for re-election this year.  Dillinger has no primary opponent.

Heirbrandt is running for his first full term as commissioner.  Doug Carter was elected to that commissioner seat in 2012, but shortly after that election, he was appointed Indiana State Police Superintendent (Carter is a former Hamilton County Sheriff).  There was a Republican caucus to fill that opening and Heirbrandt was elected by the precinct officials voting.  Therefore, Heirbrandt has served all but a few weeks of this 4-year term.

Local Fishers businessman Bill Smythe is opposing Heirbrandt.  He has been involved in local politics for many years but has yet to serve in elective office.

Smythe and Heirbrandt are a contrast in their approaches to government.

Smythe has two overriding campaign issues.  His slogan of “Voters over Vendors” is a reference to the amount of Heirbrandt’s campaign cash raised so far and where the money is coming from.  Smythe also is emphasizing “Rehabilitation over Incarceration,” saying we must treat those addicted to drugs and alcohol, rather than locking them up in the prison system.  He also wants what he describes as more transparency and public input on proposed projects.

Heirbrandt insists his campaign contributors simply share his vision of governing and that many never bid on a county contract.  He was caught up in a controversy over an e-mail exchange with a St. Joseph County Commissioner when he discussed campaigns and a bid for a contract.  Heirbrandt insisted in a podcast interview with me that he was “caught in a political snare.”  He touts endorsements from mayors and city council officials in the county, as well as organizations representing local police and firefighters.

You can listen to my Podcast with Mark Heirbrandt at this link, and the Podcast with Bill Smythe at this link.

The county council has jurisdiction over money matters.  They approve budgets for the commissioners, their projects and for departments of county government.

There are three at-large Hamilton County Council seats at stake in the primary election. Brad Beaver and Rick McKinney are incumbents seeking reelection.  There are two new challengers, both with ties to Fishers.

Long-time Fishers Police Chief George Kehl is set to retire in September of this year, and is a candidate for a council seat.  Fall Creek Township Trustee Jeff Hern is also running for one of the at-large council seats.

McKinney claims he found Hern’s cell phone near campaign signs McKinney claims were stolen.  You can read the latest Indianapolis Star story on this at this link.

With four candidates, the top three in votes cast will win the GOP nomination.  That means one of the three will not be on the November ballot.

It should be noted that no Democrats have filed for any of these offices, although the party chairman may appoint candidates to appear on the ballot if done so before a deadline this summer.

Even though those of us living in the City of Fishers just consider ourselves governed by our mayor and city council, county government has a lot to do with our daily lives as well. As you enter the voting booth, take the time to learn about the candidates and vote for your county officials