By LARRY LANNAN
Samantha DeLong is one of only two Democrats serving on the Fishers City Council, but her husband’s new job will take her family out of state, meaning DeLong will resign her council seat effective April 30.
DeLong
As a result, new Hamilton County Democratic Chair Dayna Colbert will convene a caucus of party precinct officials to elect DeLong’s successor on the city council. Colbert tells LarryInFishers there are already people interested in running for DeLong’s council seat. Potential candidates have until 3 p.m. on April 22 to file their paperwork.
“Councilor DeLong is someone who wanted to get involved in politics to make her community even better,” Colbert said. “During her campaign, she put in the hard work of talking to her constituents, and has served admirably on the city council. We wish her the best, and look forward to welcoming our next City Councilor.”
DeLong says she is not looking forward to leaving the council.
“It’s been a great pleasure working with the council and for the North Central District,” DeLong told LarryInFishers. “I am very sad to be leaving.”
Being a council member was complicated during her tenure with the COVID pandemic, not allowing her the opportunity to interact personally with constituents. One thing she would like to see in the future is diversity among the city council members.
This map highlights the North Central District in the City of Fishers. (Map provided by City of Fishers)
“I think we need more diversity on the council,” DeLong said. “I hope whoever fills my seat can bring that.”
“I look forward to collaborating with the new Democratic member of the Fishers City Council to make government more transparent and accessible for residents, create policies that improve diversity, equity and inclusion, and represent Fishers citizen’s interests above all,” said Jocelyn Vare, the other Democrat on the city council. “I join my colleagues in our shared appreciation of Councilor DeLong’s service to the City of Fishers and her constituents of the North Central district.”
The date and time of the party caucus to elect the new North Central District council member will be announced soon, according to Colbert. With COVID to consider, local Democrats are looking at all options on how to conduct the caucus meeting, including having it outdoors.