by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

(NOTE: This is a commentary written by Fred Swift of the Hamilton County Reporter. The views expressed are those of Fred Swift and do not necessarily reflect the views of LarryInFishers.com.  This opinion piece is posted here as part of a partnership between the Reporter and LarryInFishers.com)

Less than two weeks remain during which candidates may file for the May 5 primary election. Thus far few contests have developed for the county offices at stake in this year’s election.

The major exception is the competition for three at-large seats on the Hamilton County Council. Thus far seven candidates have formally filed and another one or more are expected.

Why so much interest in the council? At least part of the reason is the factional split on some issues between the seven incumbent councilors.

All members like to consider themselves fiscal conservatives, but some are more conservative than others. This splint probably leads to the number of candidates interested in the three seats.

Those filed thus far are: Brad Beaver, Lyneen Burrow, Jeff Hern, Sue Maki, Rick McKinney, Steve Nation, and former Noblesville mayor John Ditslear, who filed his candidacy on Tuesday. There are indications that others may join the field.

In the meantime, no contests have developed for county commissioner where Mark Heirbrandt and Steve Dillinger are running for re-election.

Similarly, County Auditor Robin Mills is thus far unopposed.

Former County Treasurer Kim Good now has an opponent for the Treasurer’s position. Susan Byer filed her candidacy on Tuesday.

Incumbent Surveyor Kent Ward is alone running for another term.

No Democrats have yet filed for any county office.

Dozens of candidates for precinct committeeman and state convention delegate have filed in both political party primaries.

The parties will hold reorganizational meetings this year, and both parties have state conventions with the GOP gathering shaping up to be the most interesting. Attorney General Curtis Hill will be opposed by Adam Krupp and John Westercamp.