A story posted yesterday on the Associated Press news wire (and updated today), written by Indianapolis-based AP reporter Brian Slodysko, has received a great deal of state-wide, and even some national attention. The piece centers on the contract the City of Fishers has with attorney Jennifer Messer. Mrs. Messer is married to Indiana Congressman Luke Messer.
Luke Messer is reportedly considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Jooe Donnelly.
The AP story focuses on the $20,000 Mrs. Messer receives under her contract to provide legal services to the city.
You can read the AP story at this link.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness posted a message on Facebook Friday morning, saying in part:
“I am disappointed at the tone of this story. Jennifer is smart, capable, and professional. Her work stands on its own and the value that she brings to the city is real, regardless of who she is married to.”
Below is the entire statement posted by Mayor Fadness on Facebook:
A recent story was written regarding the city’s contractual agreement with Jennifer Messer. For those of you who do not know, Jennifer Messer is married to Congressman Luke Messer. He is currently considering a run for senate. I have worked with Jennifer on legal matters for the city since 2010, before her husband was in Congress. Jennifer was the author of our transition ordinance that transformed our town to a city. Since her start with the city we have transitioned our legal department from an all outsourced department to a hybrid with some in-house staff and some contractual. Jennifer has stayed on through a contractual professional services agreement. She is responsible for drafting and negotiating a majority of the economic deals that are conducted on behalf of the city. She has an hourly rate that is less than $200 an hour and substantively less than what you would find in large firms with this type of special expertise. I am disappointed at the tone of this story. Jennifer is smart, capable, and professional. Her work stands on its own and the value that she brings to the city is real, regardless of who she is married to. My goal is to always build the best team for my city, with the best experience and expertise.