Here we are, on January 2nd, the first business day of 2020.  As we enter this new year, what can we expect in terms of news in and around Fishers?

The most honest answer is, we don’t know.  Some of the biggest news stories come up unexpectedly.  My number one story for 2019 was the city election, largely because two Democrats won city council seats, which is something I never would have predicted at the start of 2019..

The number 2 story on my 2019 list was the nondiscrimination policy debate and decision by the Hamilton Southeastern School Board.  Again, I would not have foreseen that as a major story of the year at the beginning of the year.

So, is there anything we know for sure about 2020?  Yes, a few items.

First, we will have elections. The primary is set for May 5th.  Several offices in Hamilton County will be up for election, including two seats on the three-member board of County Commissioners.  Seats currently held by Steve Dillinger and Mark Heirbrandt will be up for election this year.  There will also be Hamilton County Council seats on the ballot.

County Government impacts us in cities as well, so this is worth watching.

Indiana State Representative Todd Huston’s seat will be up for re-election.  Several state senate districts will be on the ballot, with many senate districts touching the City of Fishers.

Another wild card will be the presidential primary.  Incumbent Republican President Donald Trump is not expected to see a serious challenge when the Indiana primary comes around.  But with the large number of candidates at this stage, one wonders whether the Democrats will have a contested presidential primary May 5th.

Those winning nomination in the primary will be listed on the general election ballot with voting set for November 5th, but early voting and absentee ballot opportunities will be available prior to election day.  Since this is a presidential election year, look for the vote turnout to be higher than other elections.

The biggest election impacting Fishers will be the at-large Hamilton Southeastern School Board.  This will be part of the November 5th general election  There will be three seats up for grabs.  Those three seats are currently held by Amanda Shera (Delaware Township), Sylvia Shepler (Wayne Township) and Clint Wilson (Fall Creek Township). No official announcements have been made, but early indications point to all three incumbents seeking re-election.

The at-large school board election works like this….candidates must reside within their township, but the entire school district votes in all three elections.

I would expect the biggest Fishers news story of 2020 will be the one we don’t know yet.  But the school board election is very likely to be at or near the top of 2020 Fishers news stories.

Allow me to wish each and every reader of LarryInFishers.com a happy and healthy 2020.  I will be entering my 10th year of writing this blog.  Thanks for reading.