When I sat down to record a start-of-the-new-year 2018 podcast with Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness January 3rd, I had several questions for the mayor.  One question I did not expect him to answer directly was whether he planned to stand for re-election in 2019.  After all, it was about a year away from the next election.  I was wrong.  He did answer, telling me that he had recently spoken to his department heads and revealed to them (and me) his intention to run for a second full term (he served an extra year as the town of Fishers transitioned to a city).

Today, Scott Fadness made it official, issuing a news release announcing his intention to run for another term as Fishers’ Mayor.

“It’s rewarding to see what we’ve accomplished as a city. Collaboration with business, nonprofit, community and neighborhood leaders has made Fishers strong,” the incumbent mayor said in a news release.  “Being named the ‘Best Place to Live in America’ reflects the thoughtful planning and hard work we have undertaken.”

Fadness cites his accomplishments in economic development, quality of life, infrastructure and technology.  Since taking office in 2015, the mayor cites data showing more than 4,500 new jobs have been created in the city and Fishers has attracted $330 million in new private investment.

“As long as we have the courage, energy and entrepreneurial spirit to take what is happening globally – embrace it and adapt – we will continue to be a strong community. When we approach challenges with innovation, we succeed,” said Fadness.

Fadness points to other achievements during his tenure as mayor, including attraction of Ikea, Top Golf, the new downtown amphitheater, the nation’s largest urban farm – Agripark, the recent announcement of the Geist public park project and the upcoming Yard project.

In his re-election campaign announcement, Fadness also emphasized his partnership with schools, health care providers, and community organizations to remove the stigma around mental health issues, raise awareness and prevent suicide. As a result of his efforts, Mayor Fadness received the Government Leader Award from Mental Health America of Indiana (MHAI).

So far, no one has announced an intention to challenge Mayor Fadness in the Republican primary election, set for May of 2019.