I am in my 11th year of writing this news blog which focuses on the community where I have resided for more than 30 years – Fishers.  As a one-man-band blogger, it is difficult to keep up with the news in my own city.

However, Fishers is part of Hamilton County so one cannot ignore developments there.  I was speaking with someone the other day with lots of experience watching Hamilton County elections.  It is his view that the results of two Republican primary races will tell us a lot about where our county stands politically.

The first race is for prosecutor.  Lee Buckingham is seeking another term in office.  Greg Garrison, the prosecutor that handled the Mike Tyson case resulting in his conviction, is challenging in the May 2nd primary election.  Garrison has also made a name for himself in recent years as a radio talk show host.

Will Hamilton County GOP voters stay with Lee Buckingham, or go with Garrison?  The result will say a lot.

The second race of interest is for County Council, District 3. Incumbent Steve Schwartz will once again face challenger Mark Hall.  Both candidates have been campaigning heavily.  Only voters residing in District 3 will decide this GOP primary race.

There is one other item I will be watching on this 2022 primary election night.  There are several school referendum votes up, one in Perry Township (Marion County).  Voters have been tending to approve increases in their local property taxes to support their local school districts.

Some in the General Assembly think too many have been approved, leading to new language on the ballot for a school referendum.  For example, the language on the ballot now uses the word “increase” four times in the ballot language.  Will that have an impact on how voters choose to vote?

The reason I am interested, even though no school referendum vote is happening in Hamilton County this time around, our local Hamilton Southeastern School District will hold a referendum next year to continue an operating referendum.  Even if the school board chooses to continue the current referendum tax rate, the ballot will state the word “increase” four times, even though the rate remains the same, because the tax rate is higher compared to no referendum rate.

A few things to watch as the 2022 primary election results roll in Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.