By Nancy Edwards
Six Republican candidates running for Fishers mayor discussed their goals, visions for the community and related experience last week at a public forum hosted by The Hamilton County League of Women Voters at Fishers Town Hall.
Those running for Fishers’ first mayor include Renee Cox, Scott Fadness, Maurice Heitzman, Walt Kelly, Marvin Scott, and Elaine Viskant.
The question and answer format began with candidates reviewing their qualifications.
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Fadness Renee Cox—Cox has served three years on Fishers Town Council, and also volunteered her time on the Fall Creek Township Board. “Listening to residents and staff is the key thing about being a leader,” Cox said.
- Scott Fadness—Fadness has performed duties with the Town of Fishers for 10 years: for the past three years, he has served as town manager; previously, he spent seven years as a budget director. “I never forget about humility and service,” Fadness said.
- Maurice Heitzman—A resident of Fishers for the past 40 years, Heitzman has a background in engineering, mining, transportation and supervision. He has volunteered with the Boy Scouts and Fishers Jaycees. “I collect and disseminate information in a prudent and timely manner,” he said.
Walter Kelly—Kelly has been a Fishers resident for 38 years and is active in the national and state legislature. “I can build a consensus from disparate views,” Kelly said.- Marvin Scott—Scott previously ran for U.S. Senate and received 1 million votes. He also served as past president of Indianapolis Waterworks. “Thirty percent of my earnings will go to city equipment and serving the community,” he said.
- Elaine Viskant—Viskant has a background in managing a $400 million budget. “I’m an activist for Riverside Park and Richie Woods. I have ideas for our wildlife,” Viskant said.
Budget concerns
Candidates were asked about their priorities for budget management. Fadness discussed protecting the police, fire and public works departments. “Without them, we cease to exist as a community. The departments are essential for long-term financial stability,” he said.
Food and beverage tax
Candidates discussed whether they were in favor of the previously proposed 1 percent food and beverage tax. Heitzman indicated that he opposed taxing customers at restaurants, especially senior citizens, who are on a limited budget. “We needed to know what the tax was for first,” he said.
Communicating with residents
When asked how candidates would best effectively communicate with residents, Kelly said he would continue outreach efforts, such as maintaining the town’s web page, and provide more history and detailed information. Doable and applaud town. “We must be transparent (as a city),” he said.
Mass transit
Candidates voiced their opinions regarding developing mass transit. Scott said he is in favor of a rail system. “We have a rail system but we are not using it,” he said. “It can run Fishers to downtown in 10 minutes.”
Downtown vision
“I envision a public outreach,” Cox said of her plan to bring businesses downtown and lower taxes for the town.
Facing future challenges
When asked what challenges Fishers is likely to face 20 years from now and what the city can do to resolve them, Viskant described her concern over business loss in the community due to the death of her generation. “We need to make the community more balanced,” she said.
Jeanette Winkler will run for Fishers city clerk. Winkler is a native to Fishers, having moved here in 1960. She previously worked for the town as a deputy clerk and spent four years in the county assessor’s office. “It would be an honor to be the first city clerk of Fishers,” Winkler said.
Primaries for the election will be held May 6.
