By Beth Taylor
On April 1, at a special Fishers City Council meeting, Mayor Scott Fadness presented a proclamation, which states, in part, that Fishers is an inclusive city, proud of its growing diversity and intolerant of discrimination of any kind. The council unanimously approved the proclamation in a meeting that lasted less than 15 minutes.
“We contemplated a proclamation that sends a clear message to the state, the country, to the business community and to our residents that we are open for business and open for all,” said Fadness. “It is a conversation that is going on in many cities. This is a real challenge toward our vision as a smart, vibrant entrepreneurial city. The city of Fishers does not tolerate discrimination.”
Fadness read the proclamation and asked council members to vote. Eight council members spoke before the vote was taken, including:
President Pete Peterson thanked Mayor Fadness for his leadership. “This city is based on openness and tolerance and I want to make sure that continues for economic sustainability and growth,” said Peterson.
Todd Zimmerman drew from faith and family in reaching a decision about the proclamation. “My faith speaks about loving others. My faith lives out, my responsibility is to teach my children to live in a world that is diverse. I will be in full support of this proclamation…because every person matters,” said Zimmerman.
Selina Stoller thanked the mayor for leading the proclamation. “I feel it’s very sad that we have to be here today to do this. As a civilized country we need to be open. Our country was built on accepting people of different diversities, and the community of Fishers needs to keep moving forward with that,” said Stoller.
