I started covering local politicians in the early 1970s. I continued that, of and on, through my time writing this blog. Not much surprises me in politics at this point, but was genuinely surprised by some recent social media posts.
I have known Todd Zimmerman since 2014 when he asked to meet with me before announcing his intention to run for an at-large Fishers City Council seat. The transition was being made from a 7-member town council to a 9-member city council.
Todd wanted to get into politics, and has now served on the council since his election in 2014. But Todd had been posting on social media in recent weeks that he was wavering on whether to seek another council term.
Here is a Twitter message Todd posted November 3rd: “There is unfinished business I would like to see to conclusion, but I need to make sure I have the fortitude to serve in this office until 2028.”
That was not the Todd Zimmerman I had come to know. Was he really ready to forsake politics?
I contacted Todd about recording a podcast about his year in 2022 as President of the Fishers City Council. He told me he would announce his future political plans on that podcast.
Last Friday, Todd made it official that he will seek another term as an at-large member of the Fishers City Council. It was what I expected but the social media posts in early October had me wondering.
At the end of our podcast recording session Friday, I asked Todd what advice he would give anyone thinking of entering politics at this time. His first piece of advice was to ignore the polarization talk on social media and national news outlets.
“The greatest changers of policy, the greatest leaders that I have ever seen, are the ones that can sit down at a table, be presented with issues, sit down with someone on the opposite side…and be able to talk through and find solutions that benefit the residents, the community, the taxpayers, not personally benefitting their portfolio, fame,” Zimmerman said on the podcast.
He went into a lot more detail on this. There is also an element of drama that goes on in local politics behind the scenes and Fishers has its share just like anywhere else.
One person appeared to be relieved Todd Zimmerman has announced his intention to run for another council term. Mayor Scott Fadness immediately showed his approval on social media once the podcast was posted late Friday afternoon.
You can listen to my podcast interview with Todd Zimmerman at this link.