GUO Meeting Draws Over 300 Concerned Homeowners

Members of the Geist United Opposition (“GUO”) hosted an informational meeting at Hamilton Southeastern High School to discuss the current status of the two-year forced annexation fight and the latest developments in the incorporation of the Towns of East and West Geist.

Judging by the attendance and enthusiasm from the audience, Geist homeowners are happy to have an alternative to the Town of Fishers’ bid to forcibly annex around 2,000 parcels around the Reservoir.

“After hearing more about the advantages of incorporation over annexation, why is there even a question as to which one we would want?” asked Cambridge resident Henk van Lunenberg as he walked out of the cafeteria with the song “Money, Money, Money” playing over the sound system.

The 90-minute presentation covered the status of the forced annexation attempt by the Town of Fishers, an overview of the incorporation proceedings by the Towns of East and West Geist, and a question and answer session from survey forms collected from the audience.

Hamilton County officials also attended to show their support and clarify their roles in the upcoming legal proceedings. County Commissioner Steve Dillinger talked about the impending incorporation hearings and concluded with his feelings towards forced annexation.

“I personally don’t like it when any government uses their power to force their will upon the people,” which was welcomed with a loud applause.

Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Carter also spoke briefly about his department’s commitment to provide continued police protection to the area.

But perhaps the highlight of the presentation was GUO board member Joe Weingarten’s introduction of the “new Geist Fire Department.” Several members of the Castleton Volunteer Fire Department stood up to an enthusiastic crowd as Chief Michael Blackwell took the podium. Blackwell presented a $1,000 contribution to the GUO to show their support of the incorporation cause.

While many homeowners were optimistic about the future Towns of Geist, GUO board members were quick to remind them that incorporation efforts in no way will stop the Fishers Town Council.

“Remember, our bid to create the Towns of Geist will not stop Fishers in their attempt to annex us,” said Mike Fisher, a GUO board member that gave a :40 minute overview on forced annexation.

“We must get at least 65% of the homeowners to sign a remonstrance petition early next year or we are a part of Fishers. Period.” said GUO President Pete Peterson.

Lawyers from Kreig DeVault were introduced during the question and answer segment, highlighting their recent trials and experience defending Southwest Clay and Westfield in their annexation fights.

“We’ve been ‘in the loop’ all along on the annexation efforts, but were just given the green light this week to start working on the incorporation fight,” explained Brian Zaigar. “We’ve been very impressed with the GUO’s organization and efforts to date.”

Download the presentation