Fidler ready to represent on Putnam County Council

With a desire to protect local control and ensure that decisions are made by people who reside in Putnam County, Andy Fidler has thrown his hat into the ring for the Republican Primary when it comes to the Putnam County Council District 4 seat. 

The seat is currently held by incumbent Brian Berry, who faces challenges from both Tony Hacker and Fidler. 

Fidler said he got involved in local politics several years ago when talk of solar farms first began to pop up across the county. 

"Several years ago, we started educating everybody on the solar farms, and let everybody know what to expect and the pros and cons of solar. With doing that, I got to know a lot of people, and I started going to a lot of the county meetings and got really interested on how things go on the county level. It piqued my interest. When this came up and some of the other issues that are here, I think the way the majority does and feel like I could be a good voice. I feel like on the majority of things, 100 percent of our county isn't heard or represented at times," Fidler told The Putnam County Post. 

Over the last few years, Fidler has been a constant at various county level meetings, fighting against solar farms. 

"If you talk to the people who have moved out here in the last 30 years, they came from bigger cities and the outskirts of Indianapolis for peace and quiet. A lot of them came out here to raise their kids and get away from the hussle and bussle. Everybody came here for peace and quiet, and they don't want to see panels and giant, industrial stuff for miles. Then you get into the environmental safety and health, taxes and property values and some big ticket items. A lot of people don't necessarily think solar is the way to go. When we started this campaign against large industrial solar farms in our farmland, I made it clear, by no means am I against solar. If you want to put solar on your house or barn, that's great. I have nothing against someone wanting to put solar panels on their house, barn or cabin in the woods," Fidler said. 

As for what he would like to see as the end result of solar farms in Putnam County, Fidler said that is simple. 

"The end result is I would like to see them go away. Putnam County is not the place for it. We are a rural community, and plain and simple, it is not the place for it. We do not need to destroy our farmland," Fidler said. 

In addition to solar farms, Fidler said other issues he sees facing Putnam County are the recent talk of fire and public safety, especially in the Cloverdale community.

"That is a hot topic, with the talk of a fire territory. It is hard. I want the first responders to prosper and do what they do, and I hate to see them struggle for funding. It seems like every time you turn around, there are cuts somewhere and they are robbing Peter to pay Paul. The cost of a fire truck hurts volunteer departments, which need new equipment and cannot go without. I really feel for the departments that need things to continue on, but at the same time, it is hard. A lot of people are feeling pressure from this economy and with the territory deal, there was a 12 or 12.5 percent tax increase. That may be a small amount for small properties and for others, it may be a lot bigger. When you look at rentals, the landlord is going to pass that cost on, and it will impact everyone. I am by no means against the territory, but it should be looked into really hard, and I am sure it has," Fidler said. 

In addition, Fidler said roads and bridges in Putnam County have been a struggle, but noted the county highway department and commissioners have worked to make things better.

"They are doing it the right way and not doing a small patch here or there to just get us by. Some of the stuff has been neglected, and some came home to roost all at once, but they have done a great job. Roads and bridges are two things you have to have, and they are pinching pennies to make it work," Fidler said. 

With District 4 encompassing Cloverdale, Fidler said it is important to him to try and represent where he calls home. 

"Sometimes you have to do the right thing for the county, and there may be times people don't agree, but you have to look at the good of the county and make sure it prospers and grows, along with making sure it is set up for success for future generations. I grew up here in Cloverdale, farm and I hope my boys can grow up and farm and want to make Putnam County their permanent home. I am trying to preserve everything and keep it growing the right way. It has become very important. I feel like other parts of the county have very good representation. I'm not saying anyone has done a bad job, but there are more issues to get ahead of and keep things preserved like we want and times are changing," Fidler acknowledged. 

As for his message to voters, Fidler said he knows he won't make everyone happy, but he wants to make sure everyone has a voice and is heard. 

"My whole point in all this is I want the general people to be heard. I feel like sometimes there is not enough representation and things get overlooked. I want everyone's opinion and input, see where everyone stands and then take that and weigh in with what the county needs. I am not one of these people into raising taxes, and I feel like there are different routes you can take to get where you want to go without taxing people. I want to be here for the people. You can't make everyone happy, and at the end of the day, you have to do what's best for everybody," Fidler said.