When ending my local Fishers news blog, I wrote that commentaries might be on the way.  It didn’t take long for me to have something to say, and it should not surprise you that the novel coronavirus is the subject.

Governor Eric Holcomb provided an update Wednesday and it was not good news.  Indiana had its deadliest day of COVID-19 with 16 deaths and 400 new positive tests.  Let’s remind ourselves that testing kits and equipment remain scarce.

President Trump clearly provided a very different tone in his Tuesday news conference, warning us that April will be a tough month.  The numbers in the best case scenario nationally are in the 6 figures and, if we as a nation do not heed the advice of experts, can see deaths exceed one million.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness issued an open letter Wednesday to those living in the city.  He told me in a couple of conversations about this issue before I ended the news blog that there is no other place he would rather be than in the mayor’s office.  He said essentially the same thing to the IndyStar’s John Tuohy.

The Fadness open letter is a document that reveals much about the man.  He admits how this pandemic has impacted him personally in his responsibilities and how being with his sons in the evening is an important respite for the mayor.

For a man building an entrepreneurial spirit throughout his city and developing Fishers in his vision, the mayor likes to be in control.  He admits we are not in control of this health crisis, but we are required to deal with it.

As the fourth or fifth largest city in the state, Fadness prepares us for what is to come…Fishers will get its share of fatalities as a result of this pandemic, and holding down that number is up to us and our behavior as individuals.

Scott Fadness is asking all of us living in this city to take the normal human emotions of anger and fear, and direct that energy into helping others as we can under the circumstances.  If there ever was a time to look out for your neighbors, this is it.

Here is the end of the mayor’s open letter:

“The next thirty days will test our resiliency and character. Let us commit ourselves to compassionate action that will have us reflect on this unprecedented time with a quiet sense of pride about the true character and resolve of our Fishers community.”

Mayor Fadness and I have differed on a few issues but agree on many others.  I could not agree more with the sentiments expressed in his letter.  Everyone in Fishers should read the letter and take it to heart.  I did.

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Here is the full text of the open letter:

An Open Letter to Fishers Residents:

The month of March has changed our community’s trajectory as well each of our own circumstances. It has shattered our illusion of invincibility. We are continuously bombarded by the frightening news of COVID-19’s inevitable spread and the calamity of its economic consequences. Except for a few precious moments of distraction with my children, I know that I have thought of very little else and I am certain many of you are experiencing the same.

Fear and anger are natural by-products of the times that we find ourselves in. Our community is not accustomed to the notion of an uncertain outcome. In a community where perfection is prized, vulnerability can be an uncomfortable realization. The reality is that we are likely weeks, not days, away from reaching the apex of the COVID-19 spread in our metro area. More people will get sick and yes, more people will perish.

We must steel ourselves and our community to the fact that this will not end on the timeline we all would wish for. It will get worse before it gets better. If you are a parent, comfort and shelter your kids from it. If you are a business owner, you must prepare your employees and make the difficult decisions ahead. If you are an individual that is vulnerable to the disease you must take the appropriate precautions.

In the coming weeks, I ask that you take that fear, and at times anger, and channel it into action. Look after your neighbor that you know is scared or vulnerable. Donate and volunteer when called upon. Stay informed, but do not obsess on the steady stream of talking heads. Be a source of calm and compassion. Be patient with your loved ones. We all handle stress differently. Find humor and most importantly, find things to be grateful for.

The numbers have shown that there is only a small percentage of the population that is at risk of severe illness, but we will all be affected. The next thirty days will test our resiliency and character. Let us commit ourselves to compassionate action that will have us reflect on this unprecedented time with a quiet sense of pride about the true character and resolve of our Fishers community.

Sincerely, 

Scott Fadness