The Fishers GOP Club is a group that gathers once a month and does things Republicans do, like socialize and hear from speakers talking about Republican things.  The Club was kind enough to invite this reporter to attend the March meeting Thursday night.

The reason I wanted to attend this party relates to the May 7th primary election.  As of this writing, the March 14th Fishers GOP Club meeting is the only time the two GOP candidates for Mayor of Fishers, challenger Logan Day and incumbent Scott Fadness, are scheduled to appear together.

In answering a question from the audience, both candidates indicated they would be open to a joint appearance or debate format if the proper forum is made available.  But, as of now, this was the only joint appearance by the two people on the ballot for Fishers mayor on the May 7th Republican primary ballot.

There were some other candidates on hand Thursday night.  City Judge Dan Henke, unopposed in the May primary, talked about what he does.  City Clerk candidates Jennifer Kehl and Jackie Bowen also addressed the crowd.  But the big turnout of Republicans were there to see Scott Fadness and Logan Day.

Candidate Day was first with opening remarks making just one quick remark about his 2-year involvement with the Save The Nickel Plate organization, saying that experience gave him the impression more involvement by the public is needed in city government.  Mr. Day also provided what he called the 3 Ts – Transparency (related to public involvement)…Taxes (how much to tax and how tax money is used)…..and Transportation (appropriate focus on areas such as I-69 & 116th Street)

Mayor Fadness began talking about the honor of the “amazing journey” he has experienced in Fishers, starting as an intern for the town, then becoming town manager and later being elected as mayor.  He pointed to 2008 as a key year….the great recession hit us all, property tax caps were enacted by state government and it was becoming clear millennials wanted to live in cities.  He pointed to job growth, the new Geist Park, the Nickel Plate Trail and the city’s comprehensive approach to maintain long-term viability.

The Mayoral candidates then took questions from the audience, covering issues such as affordable housing, the possible changes in County Option Income Tax (COIT) distribution and the condition of some roads in the northeast area of the city.

The candidates for mayor had a good and healthy exchange of ideas.  Let’s hope this is  not the last time they appear together before May 7th.