(Commentaries by Fred Swift are published in the Hamilton County Reporter newspaper and are posted here as part of a partnership between LarryInFishers.com and the Reporter)

by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Even though many folks say they are sick of politics, the fact is there is already early
activity in the local political world gearing up for next year’s primary election, now
ten months away. And, whether everyone likes it or not, political choices are important
to the future of Hamilton County.

Here are a few things to watch.

Changes are likely in the local judiciary. Superior Court 5 Judge Wayne Sturtevant
has announced his retirement effective in November of this year. Superior 1 Judge
Steve Nation is seriously considering retirement next year. Circuit Judge Paul Felix
is being considered for a federal court bench. And Superior 6 Judge Gail Bardach
is up for election next spring. She is likely to run for re-election.

A vacancy created by Sturtevant’s retirement comes first and will be filled by
a governor’s appointment. At least two names have been mentioned as possible
candidates: Court Magistrate David Najjar and Carmel City Judge Brian Poindexter,
but neither has confirmed their interest.

Looking at the important, but often overlooked, County Council, a move to
change the factional lineup on the county fiscal body is said to be in the works. Currently,
very conservative members hold a 4-3 edge. Fred Glynn, one of the four and
president of the council, is up for election in the 2018 Republican primary. Reliable
insiders say a prominent Carmel woman will soon announce her candidacy against
Glynn.

Two candidates for sheriff came out very early in what is expected to be a
crowded field. Deputies Bill Clifford and Jason Sloderbeck have already said they
want to succeed retiring Sheriff Mark Bowen. Two, three or more others are expected
to enter the GOP primary race.

In a surprise announcement this week, Corrie Meyer, Carmel, said she will run
against conservative incumbent State Sen. Mike Delph who represents the Carmel
area in the General Assembly. Meyer heads the Carmel Redevelopment Commission.

And, potentially effecting next spring’s elections was this week’s announcement
that a new political action committee (PAC) has been organized at Fishers.
Called Fiscal Conservatives of Hamilton County, the group has as one of its principal
members Bill Smythe, who jumped into Republican politics in 2016, running
unsuccessfully for county commissioner.  He has said he wants to remain active in
local politics.