Lone Challenger in Fishers Town Council Race Aims to Change ‘Arrogant’ Mindset

Just one of the seven Fishers Town Council seats is being contested in the Nov. 6 election, and the sole challenger, Democrat Greg Purvis, is definitely vocal about his opposition to “politics as usual” in Fishers.

Purvis contends that current council members are arrogant, unresponsive to citizens and fiscally irresponsible – pushing a hard line on the Geist annexation because, quite simply, they need the money.

“There’s so much red ink, it’s shocking,” said Purvis, adding that the newly passed 2008 budget contains a $36 million deficit.

Purvis’ opponent in District 4 is Republican Art Levine, the newest addition to the council, joining in Spring 2006 after his predecessor relocated to Florida. Although Levine was the only council member who voted against the 2008 budget (saying the 5 percent increase in the tax rate was slightly higher than original estimates), he’s quick to point out that Fishers’ tax rate remains one of the lowest in the state for a town of its size.

Levine and Purvis differ on just about every issue facing the town. Where Levine sees forced annexation and the use of eminent domain as necessary tools for a thriving town, Purvis simply sees greed.

“It’s development at any expense, and it’s wrong,” he said.

Purvis, who’s on the HOA board for Sandstone, points to the council’s forced annexation attempts on the un-incorporated areas of Geist as an effort to “grab the tax revenue from Geist, pure and simple.” He argues the decision to annex should be based on the will of the majority in that area.

Levine, who lives in Hamilton Proper, is a neighbor to many of the homeowners in the contested area of Geist.

“I would go on record saying I regret the animosity it has created,” Levine said. However, he added, “Towns and cities need to grow, and annexation is a natural part of that.”

He says he understands concerns about individual liberties, but “the good that greater Fishers can bring to everybody far outweighs those issues.” He points to the new St. Vincent Medical Center at Ind. 238 and Olio Road as adding to the quality of life Fishers residents enjoy. The stronger Fishers is as a community, the more negotiating power the town has to bring in desirable businesses, Levine said. If East and West Geist are incorporated as towns apart from Fishers, there won’t be much room for that area to add amenities or bring in businesses to boost the tax base, he said.

“I want people in that area to have a voice and not be in an area with no opportunity to grow,” Levine said.

Another area of contention is the proposed Town Center Development, which would require demolishing Fishers Elementary and possibly using eminent domain to forcibly acquire land. Bonds may be issued to create a tax increment financing (TIF) district.

“I oppose the use of public funding for this private development, and for the use of borrowed funds to tear down and replace a public school at taxpayer expense,” Purvis said.

Traffic is another concern high on the list of both candidates. Purvis contends that the new Riverplace Development planned for 96th and Allisonville will make the already busy intersection look like “Castleton at Christmas.”

“They don’t care if it creates traffic problems; they don’t care if it floods land up and down the riverbank,” Purvis said. “They just need money.”

Levine agrees traffic will increase but says it’s a necessary evil for a growing community. “The alternative is no growth, no traffic and higher taxes. I don’t think that’s an alternative anybody wants.”

If elected, Purvis would surely face frustration as the lone voice of opposition on the Fishers Town Council. But as a lawyer, father and grandfather, Purvis says he’s well-prepared. He just wants all Fishers residents to have a voice.

So, now it’s up to you. Head to the polls on Nov. 6 and make your voice heard!