Oct 24, 2023 51 min read Stories

We asked mayor and City Council candidates about 6 hot topics in Fort Wayne. Here’s what they said...

Topics covered range from public safety and streets to public transportation, housing and police accountability.

Fort Wayne's general election is Nov. 7.

You’ve heard…

We sent six key questions to candidates for Fort Wayne Mayor, City Council and City Clerk in early-October.
Topics covered included: 1) public safety and streets, 2) public transportation, 3) police accountability, 4) housing, 5) diversity/representation and 6) vision for future development and growth.
Out of 20 total candidates, eight responded.

A few highlights from the responses...

Term limits on city boards and commissions were a hot topic to improve DEI for Geoff Paddock (City Council, D-5th), Tom Didier (Mayoral candidate), and Michelle Chambers (City Council, At-Large).
Community policing to improve police-citizen relationships came up with Didier, Chambers, and Melissa Rinehart (City Council, D-2nd).
Vision Zero and Complete Streets to improve pedestrian and bicycle friendliness came up with Rinehart and Stephanie Crandall (City Council, At-Large).
Bus rapid transit, Downtown circulators, and Citilink support were key points for Chambers, Patti Hays (City Council, D-4th), Rineart, Crandall, and Audrey Davis (City Council, At-Large).
Zoning codes and creative housing solutions were key points for Didier, Hays, Crandall, Davis, and Jennifer Matthias (City Council, District 1).

Also worth noting…

Paddock says passenger rail service plans via Chicago, Fort Wayne, Columbus, and Pittsburgh could have an update by the end of this year.
Rinehart drove home the value of “15-minute neighborhoods.”
Crandall and Davis pitched the concept for City Government 101 courses.
Chambers was the only candidate to mention green infrastructure/sustainability.
Hays and Crandall specifically mentioned serving individuals of all abilities.

Below are the full Q&As with all candidates who responded to our questionnaire, listed in the order they were received.

Click the names to jump to the candidate's responses.

Q&A with Geoff Paddock (D)

Running for: City Council, 5th District

1. Public safety: In recent years, Fort Wayne has seen high numbers of traffic collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists. What are some specific strategies or programs you’d support to reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all?

We are always working on traffic calming to make our streets and intersections more pedestrian friendly, in addition to investing each year in our trail and greenway network. Also, I am hoping for a traffic division to have police officers catch more speeding drivers, who are exceeding our city speed limits.

2. Transportation: Public transportation is a critical concern to many young residents. Citilink will need significant funding on the local, state and federal levels to improve its bus service in Fort Wayne. It currently operates at 60-minute intervals and has limited hours/no Sunday service. How important is improving Citilink’s service with higher interval buses and more service hours, and/or what other methods of transportation (bus rapid transit, Downtown circulators, streetcars, protected bicycle lanes on roads, trolleys or light rail) would you support in Fort Wayne’s future (if any)?

I have always supported the Citilink budget, which is just a pass through for us. It is set by state government, but we do work with them on improving route selection and service. I have personally championed the revival of passenger train service to serve Chicago, Fort Wayne, Columbus, and Pittsburgh. I have played a key role in applying for federal funds to bring this service back. This is now a five state coalition. We may know more about this before the end of the year.

3. Accountability: Police accountability has been a concern among many young residents in recent years, ranging from police tear-gassing protesters in Downtown Fort Wayne in 2020 to a recent incident this year, involving Sgt. Joshua Hartup paying only $35.50 for striking pedestrian Henry Najdeski with a vehicle, resulting in Najdeski’s death. What are your thoughts on public safety as it relates to police accountability in Fort Wayne’s future?

I support our Police Department and have worked to fund the department, add police officers--now to 500, and support equipment upgrades and technology, so they can do a better job protecting the public and fighting crime. City Council awarded funding so each active duty police officer will eventually have a body camera. This will protect them and the general public.

4. Housing: As projects like Electric Works infuse new money and life into older neighborhoods near Downtown, there’s risk of gentrification or outpricing good neighbors in the area. Even before Electric Works and the pandemic, Fort Wayne had the 13th-highest eviction rate in the U.S. (2016). Since the pandemic, the housing market has been extremely tight, and prices are increasing compared to the affordability Fort Wayne has experienced in the past. What key housing issues do you believe are important to address in Fort Wayne, and what programs or methods would you support to meet these goals?

I was a sponsor of the public sector funding for the Electric Works project. Market rate apartments are coming forward soon, as they are in the Riverside at Promenade and Lofts at Headwaters Park. We are also working with our city Redevelopment Commission and the city Housing and Neighborhood Services Department, to add affordable housing units in Fort Wayne as well. I believe the other side of Electric Works, which has yet to be developed, may be a prime site for more affordable housing units.

5. Representation: Many of Fort Wayne’s most powerful boards and commissions (Legacy, etc.) are still dominated by white men ages 45+. Basic access to city resources and documents in multiple languages is also critical to helping Fort Wayne’s non-English speaking residents (immigrants, refugees and international transplants) participate in local life. How will you work to represent and include all residents, including non-English speaking populations, in local decision-making? What steps might the city take to ensure its highest levels of local leadership accurately represent our citizenry?

I supported Councilwoman Chambers ordinance to put term limits on City Council appointments, so we can have more turn over and seek more youthful leaders to serve on board and commissions. I will continue to support applications of young people to serve on these boards.

6. Vision: In recent years, many young residents have enjoyed Fort Wayne's growth thanks, in part, to the willingness of local leaders and the community to invest in neighborhoods and ambitious projects, from riverfront development to Electric Works. Tell us about your vision for the future of Fort Wayne and its growth?

I have led that effort over the past decade, to increase our investment in neighborhoods and make infrastructure improvements in both Public Works and City Utilities, a priority. I was the sponsor of the public sector portion of the Electric Works project and want to see the the other side developed too. I also have supported and voted for plans and funding for more riverfront and downtown development. My vision is to see Fort Wayne continue to be a growing and inclusive city and to be the envy of the Midwest. We are getting there.

Q&A with Tom Didier (R)

Running for: Mayor

Pedestrian and bicycle safety is important as we look to grow Fort Wayne. The Northeast Indiana Regional Coordinating Council has a draft plan to address these challenges. It is important to note that the increase in collisions with pedestrians in recent years, at least the most recent accident data available to us, has occurred outside the public right of way. That suggests that education initiatives might need to be implemented outside of what the city is already doing to improve our infrastructure. My primary focus with infrastructure improvements is facilitating safe connections between schools and the communities they serve so that students who walk to school can get there safely.

Every year I ask Citilink about what options might be available to increase service times and dates and what impact that might have on ridership. Unfortunately, the city’s influence on Citilink is limited, but making sure that our public transit options match up effectively with the needs of Fort Wayne residents is important to me. All options are open to me, but I’m particularly interested in finding ways to connect our local central business districts, our downtown, and our college campus populations more effectively. I would also be interested in finding quicker connections between populations and areas they work that fall outside the traditional hub and spoke system that we currently utilize.

Accountability across every city department is important to me and will be a major part of my administration. I joined with a bipartisan majority in favor of universal body cameras for police officers, and I also voted to accelerate the timeline for complete coverage to be implemented. My plans for law enforcement involve connecting officers in their communities more effectively and developing strategies for communities in Fort Wayne in conjunction with neighborhood leaders to make sure our officers are addressing the challenges most relevant to residents in that community. That will also empower neighborhood leaders to hold my administration accountable for delivering on my promise and helping make the community safer.

To some degree, money is going to follow money, so as the city focused more resources in one area it should not be a surprise that interest in property in that area increased accordingly. I think there are two components to this problem, the first being housing affordability and the other being income. On the housing affordability front, I plan to pursue any and all options to increase housing stock in Fort Wayne, from looking at creative approaches to residential zoning to working with the county to reform the permitting process to help develop greater interest in residential development in Fort Wayne. With regard to income, I’m going to continue to focus on fostering a robust climate for new jobs in our community and work with Greater Fort Wayne to be a stronger advocate for new investment in Fort Wayne. I want to engage the Housing Authority to work with the Community Development Department to find ways we can have an impact on these numbers and help people stay in their homes.

I am committed to utilizing my board appointments to get the best people engaged. I already pushed for term limits on board appointments that would allow for more opportunities for people to participate in the government of our city before Mayor Henry vetoed the proposal. I am committed to making city resources as accessible as possible to non-English speakers as well as disabled residents of our community. Putting Fort Wayne first is about making sure our city residents, all 285,000 of them, are the top priority of our city departments.

I think that we need to continue to push forward with greater investment in our community, but I think that it needs to have a plan, and it needs to be executed more strategically than we have in recent years. I believe there is an opportunity for Fort Wayne to capitalize on talent and resources unique to our community related to the performing arts and invest public money in projects designed to leverage those opportunities. If our city doesn’t find a way to focus and organize around a concept we can utilize to effectively market Fort Wayne as an ideal destination for people looking to relocate, then we run the risk of being a carbon copy of every other mid-sized Midwestern city, and that means we’ll be competing on the same playing field as all of them.

Q&A with Patti Hays (D)

Running for: City Council, 4th District

The City of Fort Wayne has taken steps to improve public safety for pedestrians and bicycle riders. Well over a decade ago "Bike Summits" were sponsored by the city, and we saw our first bike lanes painted on city streets; in addition, we have improved walkways (curb-cuts, signage) for pedestrians. Roundabouts have helped with traffic flow with the potential to actually reduced accidents. These are important and positive steps. But we can and should do better. We can improve the channels of communication that exist between the city and its neighborhoods. We need to explore the various options that exist to enhance and improve the way pedestrians and bikers and bus patrons and car drives navigate the city. Let's consider everything, from street art, protected bike lanes, to curb outcroppings, to speed enforcement, to make Fort Wayne safer for all city residents. With planning, study and input from all, bikes, pedestrians and cars can co-exist safely in the city

A public transportation system that is convenient, safe, affordable and reliable, is a concern for a variety of city residents. Young residents, FWCS students, the elderly, those with disabilities for whom driving a car is not an option, those with economic barriers that prevent car ownership, all would like to see a public transportation system that better suits their needs. City Council has a representative on the Citilink Board. I'm committed to working with Citilink, its executive staff, and its patrons, to explore all options leading to a fiscally sound and sustainable public transit system. And I'm open to exploring other options as they present themselves to enhance transportation options in the city. Locally, we need to do our part to help make this happen; but we also need ensure that we tap funding resources at the state and federal level. This is an important issue for the whole of the city, but especially for the 4th district, which includes the airport, and a number of businesses whose work force benefits from a viable public transportation system.

First, let me just say the death of Henry Najdeski was an unsettling, tragic accident. My heart goes out to all who grieve the sad and untimely loss of his life. As an experienced healthcare administrator where life and death decisions are routine, I know the hours involved in planning and training to ensure the following of proper safety protocols; I also know that despite one's best efforts, accidents happen, mistakes occur. Employees are responsible for following established protocols, and leadership is ultimately responsible for following the procedures that merit public trust. I'm committed to advocating for transparent accountability in all our city departments, the police department, no less than any other department, be it Fire, Parks and Recreation, or City Streets. The attribute of a safe city is vital to the health and growth of that city. As council representative for the 4th District, I will work to ensure the city of Fort Wayne enforces its policies and procedures for the benefit and protection, not only of its employees, but for all of its citizens. I'm further committed to having Fort Wayne be a city that is attractive to "first responders" who are fully trained and adequately compensated for the perilous nature of their work.

In order to meet our goals of a growing and vibrant city, we must be able to provide housing for an expanding workforce. The average household income in Fort Wayne is below state and national averages. Yet housing market costs are increasing. This is an unsustainable recipe for city growth. We need to reckon with the reality that home ownership is not a viable option for everyone, especially for youth adults just entering the job market.

Let's start first with rentals. Metro has done great research into our rental housing market. I support their desire to explore a registry of rental property owners. Out of town, unaccountable, and corporate ownership units are a threat to safe and affordable rental options.

There are several creative options for housing under consideration included in the most recent comprehensive city plan. Increased housing density providing for townhouses rather than single family homes seems to be one viable option. The city should take a fresh look at how to remediate blighted or vacate properties. I'm also intrigued by the concept of container homes that are piloted for the East Central neighborhood.

We need take a well rounded, creative look at all options that exist to address the need for affordable housing. Land trusts, use of federal dollars and a willingness to evaluate a new perspective of housing all need to be considered. Each city quadrant, neighborhood, and street may be able to pilot ideas to provide the needed housing for our growing workforce.

Working together, with city administration and city council, with developers and financiers, with individual and families, I want to play a vital part in advancing a new perspective of housing that broadens the options for city residents to accommodate the changing housing needs of our growing workforce.

Boards and Commissions are responsible for major decisions and fund distribution in our city. Many of these require a knowledge base and expertise that are possessed by a limited few. The composition of these same boards and commissions need to be reflective of the composition of Fort Wayne. I know that it is tempting to keep the members that are known to follow the routine, but that is not sustainable.

As a city, it is good practice to seek the advice of those who are wise and experienced. We also need expand the pool of who possesses wisdom and experience that can benefit the city. As the representative of the 4th district, I will do my best to ensure boards and commissions reflect the diversity that exists within the city. I'll also be diligent in seeking to identify and nurture community talent that has been underrepresented or overlooked. With clear succession planning and design of board matrixes, with time, boards and commissions can see new members and new ideas blended annually with the experienced members. With that evolution, the diversity of the community (gender, race, age, ethnicity, disability, etc) will be represented with the diversity of opinions on these critical building blocks of our city's operations.

Over ten years ago, I was part of the first city exchange program to Greenville, South Carolina. The delegation saw first hand the fruits born of vision; the visit helped drive the effort to build a new ball park in downtown Fort Wayne; it further inspired the rediscovery of our rivers, and the riverfront development that has fundamentally changed the landscape of our city. Such changes have come to Fort Wayne through the visionary efforts of many. I believe the future of our city is as limitless as its people. I voiced this in my Forward to Zach Benedict's book, "Forthcoming," a collection of essays featuring emerging young leaders voicing their dreams and desires for the future. In this publication, I referenced the importance of emerging young leaders, and their ability to nurture in us all a greater vision. I'm running for city council because I'm dreaming big for Fort Wayne, wanting Fort Wayne to grow in ways that build upon our storied past. I'm inspired by Alvin Tofler who once said: "We have to think about big things when doing the small things so that all the small things go in the right direction." That's my pledge to the residents of the 4th District. I'm committed to helping lead Fort Wayne in the right direction.

Q&A with Melissa Rinehart (D)

Running for: City Council, 2nd District

Safe traffic initiatives start with implementing Vision Zero practices across our great city. The Vision Zero Network provides strategies effective for eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. Many of the Vision Zero strategies involve traffic calming along major corridors. Traffic accidents are up over 18%, which is a huge concern for our city, especially as we look to make our community more appealing for active transportation efforts.

Active transportation planning through the Complete Streets initiative not only will help our community stay safe, it will also lower the barrier to transportation in Fort Wayne, especially with our incomplete sidewalk infrastructure along major corridors. Similarly, engaging FWCS in collaborative measures to ensure Safe Routes to Schools are in place is a huge initiative for the safety of our community’s children as well as increasing their propensity for active transportation later in life, with sparse bus service facing our community, the time to make sure our kids have safe walkways to and from school is now.

Similar to a conversation on active transportation, our community’s need for public transportation is growing, especially in such a challenging economic time driven by inflation. It’s more expensive than ever to own a car. Loan fees, registration, and insurance are obstacles for many in our community, especially for folks who are entering or re-entering the workforce. Enhancing our public transportation infrastructure will allow for individuals to more comfortably ride public transit, while simultaneously making it a more appealing option for individuals who live near a bus route to opt for public transportation for quick trips as opposed to personal vehicle use.

Our city will have to increase its investment in Citilink for meaningful changes to occur, especially where a desire for improved public transit infrastructure is concerned. Our bus system needs to be more welcoming, which includes more contemporary bus stops and shelters that offer riders information on bus arrival times, as well as comfort to the riders who may be waiting, especially in wind/rain/snow. Investing in additional infrastructure will allow for Citilink to expand its scope of service while potentially increasing ridership to a demand-level that allows for later-night transportation options.

One essential infrastructure element not often discussed at the municipal level are planned maintenance and strategic addition/improvement of existing lighting infrastructure, which can make all of the difference at bus stops and for folks utilizing public bike lanes, crosswalks, or sidewalks. Pedestrian-level lighting is the first step to providing a safe walking environment and it’s been shown to have crime-reducing effects, with nearly 45% reductions observed when implemented in crime pervasive areas.

Committing to our trip hazard elimination funding, as well as sidewalk resurfacing, is essential to our community’s safety, especially for ADA accessibility. Committing to an accessible community, no matter someone’s ability or economic standing is vital to build a forward-moving community that allows each of its residents to thrive. Rebuilding and developing our Active Transportation infrastructure is similarly important, streetscape improvements provide safe and attractive transportation environments for folks walking and biking. Being intentional with active transportation design also means inclusive design that increases ADA accessibility on sidewalks and crosswalks, as well as the conscious elimination of things like photoluminescent paint, which visually impaired individuals often cannot process with the intended visual prominence.

Personal and professional accountability are essential to maintaining the legitimacy of our public institutions, including the Fort Wayne Police Department. As for the specific instance regarding Sargeant Joshua Hartup, we truly saw a gap in our state’s legal code, which does not have a subsection for vehicular manslaughter; in this instance, the way we make change is by contacting our state representatives and encouraging them to look into this gap in our state code. Our local government can only work within the parameters of state law, making it incredibly important that state laws are more fully representative. However, we must invest in the FWPD to offer the resources it needs to more actively be involved in its community, especially where community policing techniques may be implemented.

Involving our hardworking officers in neighborhood meetings and gatherings help both citizens and officers better contextualize future interactions by removing an element of fear, especially the fear of the unfamiliar. Public safety has been a huge part of my research as a City Council candidate. I participated in the Procedural Justice and Police Legitimacy program held by the FWPD this year, which provided great insight into FWPD’s keen understanding of structure, social, and systemic challenges facing their interactions with our community and desire to keep it safe.

Additionally, I was able to do a ride-along this year in our city’s Northwest quadrant, which was incredibly eye-opening, especially considering the high rates of larceny and other public safety concerns facing that quadrant of our city. Our city is better when we are ALL able to feel safe, working with our public safety agencies to do just that is vital to our ability to move forward.

As a city councilwoman, I would support zoning and land use policies that encourage 15 minute neighborhoods where residents are able to meet their material, living and cultural needs by walking 15 minutes in any direction. This is a great measure for our community towards inclusivity of all ability and income levels, while also going back the origins of our city planning. With our cities reinvestment in neighborhoods, this is a natural next step.

Additionally, we must promote the expansion of affordable, accessible housing options, which may mean that residential tax abatement programs may need to be consider, as well as affordable housing development incentives focused on strategic infill development. Affordable housing can seem like the boogie man for homeowners in an area, but I’m approaching this issue with a unique point of view. Just six years ago, I was living in subsidized housing as a single mother with my, at the time, high school aged daughter, due to a sudden and unexpected workforce reduction. Reaching out to neighbors and helping them see that the face of affordable housing is not so unfamiliar or out of reach, is imperative to the success of any initiatives, which I am looking to achieve as a councilwoman.

On the topic of housing, it is time that our community declares homelessness a crisis. I was the leader of a nonprofit addressing food insecurity during the pandemic, since that time, food insecurity and homelessness have only increased. Homelessness poses risks to public safety and public health. Addressing the root causes of homelessness are going to be essential for our public safety and public housing institutions, further allowing for unhoused individuals to seek secular assistance in finding safe and suitable housing.

My background as a cultural anthropologist has uniquely prepared me to more fully represent our diverse community. I’ve engaged with different parts of our community for years. For example, I just recently canvassed with a friend who served as a Burmese interpreter while knocking doors of Burmese homeowners in District-2. I do believe our city is making strides towards linguistic inclusion. The city recently announced a Limited English Proficiency policy for its services, which will certainly need to be adapted to all city services and its websites as the policy moves through the implementation phase.

As far as diverse cultural representation on boards and commissions, I will absolutely support diverse and representative candidates for appointments, which will mean reaching out and intentionally building relationships with people who have the capacity and desire to serve our community. I was one of the founders of Welcoming Fort Wayne, which has since become an Amani Family Services initiative. This initiative focuses on fostering awareness and understanding of our immigrant and refugee communities.

Similarly, I’m currently serving on the Board of Directors for Fort Wayne Sister Cities International, which is focused on cultural exchange. Simply put, representation is everything in our community and is always on my radar.

I never gave much thought to the importance of my neighborhood setting when I was young; I was too busy being a kid. In hindsight, I was fortunate to have inadvertently soaked up the beauty of what my neighborhood afforded me. Not aesthetic beauty. The beauty of knowing your neighbors, playing with friends, riding your bike safely on the streets, and knowing home was always just a few minutes away. I keenly remember my mother asking me when I rolled in on my bike seconds before dinnertime, “Where’ve you been all day?!” My answer was always the same, “I’ve been riding my bike and playing with friends.”

Fast forward a few decades later, I can now appreciate what I once took for granted. Our neighborhoods are the secret sauce to everything that’s possible in our community. Two years ago, I lived in a large suburban neighborhood on a quiet cul-de-sac. I knew my immediate neighbors and served on the neighborhood association board. During my board tenure, I learned a great deal about governance, grievance procedures, public safety, and the importance of placemaking. Since then, I’ve moved to a nearly 100-year old home in the historic North Anthony Neighborhood, and am grateful to have found a sense of home here, too. I’m active with my new neighborhood association and have learned a great deal about what’s important to my neighbors. It wasn’t long before I recognized that the same concerns and priorities were being expressed on both ends of City Council District-2.

City Council District-2 is a long district spanning Union Chapel and Coldwater Roads down to North Anthony Boulevard and Lake Avenue. Between my involvement with two neighborhood associations, attending the meetings of other neighborhood associations and area partnerships, as well as knocking on nearly 2,500 doors to date, I’ve a deepened sense of what’s important in District-2. That’s why I’m running for City Council.

Here’s what my District-2 neighbors have been telling me. Their utmost concern is neighborhood investment and development ranging from desirable infill development, to the creation of more affordable housing, infrastructure improvements for curbs, sidewalks, and crosswalks, traffic calming initiatives, and flood mitigation. My neighbors are also telling me they want more greenspace and greater attention paid to smaller parks throughout the district.

Also, a priority in District-2 are public safety concerns ranging from streetlight replacements, to the reduction of crime, and supporting the Safe Routes to Schools program for the many youth walking to-and-from schools. That said, as your councilwoman, I’ll defend the city’s investment in public safety including Police, Fire, and Animal Care and Control as well as the expansion of community policing and other innovative law enforcement strategies.

My goal is to make District-2 a premier place to live. I’ll fight for investments and protections in our neighborhoods because they’re our greatest assets. Imagine having 15-minute walking access in any direction from your home for satisfying your essential and cultural needs? The encouragement of 15-minute neighborhoods will also be on my radar as this is the way the city was designed not all that long ago. Not only do I enjoy living in a 15-minute neighborhood, I’m hearing from retirees and young families alike that they do, too. The simplicity of a carefully designed or reimagined neighborhood makes the second district a choice destination to live, work, and play.

At the city council table, I’ll encourage economic development strategies designed to attract and retain talent, provide more home ownership opportunities, and support placemaking initiatives in District-2. Moreover, as your next city councilwoman, I’ll attend council meetings dutifully, analyze relevant data and past experiences, and consider the perspectives of all residents. I’ll also recognize and build upon our community’s strengths and assets, while promoting the use of existing plans and strategies developed through meaningful community input.

I believe in our city and its people, and I’ll remain a tireless advocate for the health and well-being of our neighborhoods. My mother recently gifted me a bicycle, and while I no longer have the time or energy to ride until dinnertime, I want to make District-2 a place where others can do so enjoyably and safely.

Q&A with Councilwoman Michelle Chambers (D)

Running for: City Council, At-Large

As Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, I understand the importance of prioritizing public safety, especially when it comes to reducing traffic collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists in Fort Wayne. To address this issue and promote safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all, I advocate for the implementation of specific strategies and programs:

1. Enhanced Infrastructure: I believe in investing in infrastructure improvements that prioritize the safety and accessibility of pedestrians and cyclists. This includes the development of well-maintained sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and crosswalks at strategic locations, such as near schools and highly-traveled areas. By creating physical barriers, we can reduce the risk of collisions and encourage active transportation options.

2. Education and Awareness: Implementing educational campaigns can significantly contribute to safer road experiences for all users. I support initiatives that educate both drivers and vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, about traffic laws, proper road etiquette, and the importance of mutual respect on shared roadways. Raising awareness about the specific vulnerabilities and needs of pedestrians and cyclists can lead to improved safety.

3. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Strengthening the collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders is crucial. This includes increased enforcement of traffic laws to deter dangerous behaviors that put pedestrians and cyclists at risk. I also support engaging in partnerships with organizations that promote road safety and provide resources for pedestrians and cyclists.

4. Data Analysis and Targeted Interventions: Utilizing data-driven approaches, we can identify high-risk areas and implement targeted interventions. By analyzing crash data, traffic patterns, and areas with a high concentration of vulnerable road users, we can create tailored solutions that address specific challenges in different neighborhoods. This may involve installing traffic calming measures, improving signage, or developing community-specific programs.

5. Engaging the Community: Meaningful engagement with the community is essential for understanding the unique needs and concerns of residents. I support creating platforms for residents to provide input and feedback on traffic safety issues, including pedestrian and cyclist safety. By involving community members in the decision-making process, we can develop solutions that are both effective and culturally sensitive.

By implementing these strategies and programs, we can work together to reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries for pedestrians and cyclists in Fort Wayne. I am committed to investing in the safety and well-being of all residents, ensuring that our city's mobility systems promote equity, health, and security for everyone.

As Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, I understand the importance of public transportation for our community, especially for young residents. While the City of Fort Wayne does not directly fund the Citilink Department, I recognize the need to address its limitations and explore options for improvement. Here's my perspective on the issue:

1. Importance of improving Citilink's service: Enhancing Citilink's bus service with higher interval buses and extended service hours is significant. It can provide more convenience and accessibility to residents who rely on public transportation for work, education, and daily activities.

2. Exploring alternative transportation methods: In addition to improving Citilink's service, I am open to exploring other transportation methods that can further enhance mobility in Fort Wayne. Some potential options include:

Bus rapid transit: This could provide faster and more efficient service, connecting key areas of the city.
Downtown circulators: Implementing circulator routes in downtown areas could improve accessibility and encourage local economic activity.
Protected bicycle lanes: Expanding infrastructure with protected bicycle lanes can promote sustainable transportation options and improve cyclist safety.
Trolleys or light rail: Considering the feasibility and funding options for trolleys or light rail systems could be explored as potential additions to our transportation network.

These solutions require careful analysis, feasibility studies, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to determine their viability and funding sources. As Councilwoman, I am committed to exploring all options to improve public transportation and enhance mobility in Fort Wayne based on the needs and aspirations of our community.

As Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, the former Chairwoman of the Mayors Commission on Police Reform and Racial Justice, I deeply understand the concerns regarding police accountability among our young residents. The incidents you mentioned, including the response to protests and the recent incident involving Sgt. Joshua Hartup, underscore the urgent need for ongoing efforts to improve public safety and ensure police accountability. With that in mind, here is my response, which aligns with the recommendations established by the Commission:

1. Transparency and oversight: We must prioritize the transparency of police activities by conducting thorough investigations into incidents involving law enforcement and sharing the outcomes with the public. Additionally, we need robust oversight mechanisms to hold officers accountable for their actions, fostering trust within our community.

2. Reviewing policies and training: Continual evaluation and improvement of police policies and training are paramount. By implementing practices such as de-escalation techniques, diversity training, and strategies to reduce the use of excessive force, we can positively influence community relationships with the police.

3. Community engagement: Actively engaging with our community is vital. We must establish regular dialogue between law enforcement and community members, facilitating mutual understanding, addressing concerns, and increasing police accountability.

4. Collaborative partnerships: Building strong partnerships with organizations and community leaders is crucial. Through these collaborations, we can develop innovative initiatives to enhance police accountability, such as civilian oversight boards or review committees.

5. Data-driven approach: Collecting and analyzing relevant data on police interactions is essential. This allows us to gain insights into identifying and addressing potential biases, ensuring fair treatment for all residents of Fort Wayne.

Recognizing that building police accountability is an ongoing process, I’ve been committed to promoting the adoption of these recommendations and working tirelessly towards a stronger and safer community in Fort Wayne.

As Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, I have been dedicated to expanding affordable housing opportunities throughout Fort Wayne. In 2023, one of my legislative bills successfully passed, introducing a 10-year tax abatement specifically for affordable housing developers. This bill enables developers to create affordable housing options across the entire city, not just limited to economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

I am proud of this accomplishment, as it signifies a significant step towards addressing the housing needs of our community. However, my work doesn't stop there. I am currently focused on crafting legislation that aims to provide property tax abatements for first-time homebuyers and homeowners who have made substantial improvements to their homes.

By implementing property tax abatements for first-time homebuyers, we can make homeownership more attainable and create a pathway to financial stability for individuals and families. Additionally, offering tax abatements for homeowners who have made substantial home improvements encourages investment in our neighborhoods, revitalizing communities and increasing property values.

Affordable housing and homeownership are critical to the overall well-being and economic growth of our city. As Councilwoman, I am deeply committed to continuing these efforts to ensure that all residents of Fort Wayne have access to safe, affordable, and stable housing options.

As Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, I am proud to have made significant strides in promoting diversity and equitable representation within city council boards and commissions during my first term. Through intentional efforts, I have successfully secured 11 out of 21 diverse appointments for city council board appointments, fulfilling the promise I made to our constituents while running for office.

Recognizing the importance of fresh perspectives and inclusivity, in 2023, I championed legislation to address the issue of individuals serving on boards and commissions for extended periods. This legislation implemented term limits, ensuring that positions are accessible to a wider range of community members and preventing the concentration of power among a few individuals. Although this legislation proved successful and would have positively impacted our community, it was unfortunately overturned by the ruling party.

Looking ahead and with the goal of fostering diversity and inclusivity, if re-elected in 2024, I remain committed to reintroducing and working towards the reimplemented legislation to reinstate term limits for boards and commissions. This initiative will ensure ongoing opportunities for new voices and perspectives, enhancing the overall effectiveness and representation of these important bodies.

I believe that diverse representation in decision-making processes is essential for a thriving and inclusive community. By continuously advocating for equitable appointments and reintroducing legislation to address term limits, I strive to create a more inclusive and representative government that reflects and serves the needs of all our constituents.

As Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, I am grateful to have played a significant role in the recent growth and development of our city. I firmly believe in the concept of smart growth, which aligns with the principles outlined in the "ALL IN ALLEN COUNTY PLAN" of 2023.

In the past, Fort Wayne has seen an influx of young residents attracted by the city's growth. This success can be credited to the collaborative efforts of local leaders, the community, and our commitment to investing in neighborhoods and ambitious projects. The riverfront development and the Electric Works project are prime examples of the transformative impact that strategic investments can have on our city.

Looking ahead, my vision for Fort Wayne's future growth is centered around three key principles: sustainability, connectivity, and inclusivity.

Firstly, sustainability is crucial. We need to ensure that growth initiatives prioritize environmentally friendly practices, including energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and responsible land use. By incorporating sustainable elements into our development, we can mitigate the impact on our environment and create a city that is resilient and prepared for the challenges of the future.

Secondly, connectivity is essential for the continued success of Fort Wayne. We must invest in efficient transportation systems, including public transit, cycling infrastructure, and walkability, to connect residents to job opportunities, education, healthcare, and recreational amenities. Enhancing connectivity not only improves quality of life but also promotes economic growth and social cohesion.

Lastly, inclusivity is at the core of my vision for Fort Wayne's growth. We must ensure that all residents have equal access to the benefits of development, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. This means actively engaging and listening to our diverse communities, promoting affordable housing options, and fostering an environment that embraces and celebrates our differences. By prioritizing inclusivity, we can build a stronger, more vibrant city that truly represents all its residents.

By adhering to the principles outlined in the "ALL IN ALLEN COUNTY PLAN," and by embracing sustainability, connectivity, and inclusivity, I am confident that Fort Wayne will continue to prosper and provide a high quality of life for its residents. Together, with the collaboration of local leaders and the community, we can shape a future where Fort Wayne remains an attractive and thriving city for generations to come.

Q&A with Stephanie Crandall (D)

Running for: City Council, At-Large

As a member of the Fort Wayne City Council, I look forward to supporting the plans the City of Fort Wayne has adopted, which can only be fully realized through investments and policy decisions. Seven years ago, the City adopted a Complete Streets policy to consider the needs and ways to accommodate multimodal connectivity during design and improvement work. More recently in the All in Allen comprehensive plan, the third transportation mobility goal is to “increase safe, attractive, multimodal transportation opportunities,” critical to meeting the themes of equity, health, and sustainability.

Some communities, including Indianapolis, have drafted “Vision Zero plans” to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on roadways to zero. These plans can be used to apply for funding, including from the federal Safe Streets For All (SS4A) grant opportunity. Fort Wayne has applied for SS4A for a roundabout to make an intersection safer. I would like to Fort Wayne to make our plans for reaching Vision Zero-like goals more widely known.

Beyond plans to make our City safer, each one of us, as residents and users of Fort Wayne’s transportation system, also has a duty to look out for one another. Whether we’re driving a car, riding our bicycle, or walking one of Fort Wayne’s many trails, we need to be more attuned as we move around the City about changing traffic patterns, signals, and protocols. We have laws about distracted driving, bike lanes, and areas under construction. A series of educational shorts can remind us of ways to share our multimodal transportation system so everyone can have safe access.

Having lived in other cities where public transportation was more a choice than a last resort, I support public transportation as a way for us to connect across the entire city. Right now, Citilink is considered to be the means of movement for the nine percent of our neighbors who don’t have cars as most residents prefer to use their own vehicles for transportation. However, I believe it is important for us to invest where we want to add value.

I would love for Fort Wayne to have a downtown circulator. The Holly Trolley and Mother’s Day Trolley are very popular. A similar circulator can be a way for us to connect with destination spots, even right outside the main downtown core, like Electric Works.

I would support local funding as well as advocacy on the state level to increase Citilink’s service levels. We already are working on some efforts to ask the state to reconsider the service boundaries of providers like Citilink that would be required before we could work on plans like bus rapid transit popular in other big cities.

Following the murder of George Floyd and the outrage that followed, the City of Fort Wayne formed the Mayor’s Commission on Police Reform and Racial Justice. I served as one of the two key staff members that helped the Commission with its work, including creating an action plan with 40 recommendations in the areas of Race Relations, Communication, and Departmental Transparency. The goal of the work was to help bring about accountability, transparency, and healing by building, maintaining, and repairing trust. Various steps have been taken to show commitment to the goal, although more can be done to increase collaboration and strengthen trust between the community and the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD).

Two-thirds of the City’s budget is for public safety. Most of the City’s budget is for personnel, with the plan to staff FWPD with 500 officers. FWPD officers have an opportunity to strengthen trust in public safety while partnering with the community to fulfill FWPD’s mission to “protect the life, property, and personal liberties of all individuals.” Fort Wayne City Council also has a duty to ensure that FWPD has the tools and resources it needs to foster trust as people want to live and work in a safe city.

Finally, people in Fort Wayne need to report when they have concerns about police actions and believe additional accountability is warranted. They should know they will have a City Councilmember in me who will work as an advocate for peace and justice.

Housing is a key priority for me, especially because it is one of the biggest attraction factors and greatest challenges of our city. We need to increase housing options to accommodate us at every stage of life—whether you’re a recent graduate, raising a family, or ready to retire. Again, the All in Allen Comprehensive Plan offers a number of options we might consider to ensure that every person, including the children who make up 40% of our homeless population, have access to attain safe and stable housing.

The City of Fort Wayne was extremely successful in using the federal government’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program, receiving additional allocations from the state to help Fort Wayne renters. I would like to increase support for similar programs to help with mortgages and homeowner repairs as we have many neighbors struggling with home maintenance.

I already have been a part of creating the City’s visitability policy that helps us live up to our recognition as an “Ability City.” All of us will have different physical abilities at some point in our life and we should be able to maintain access to housing. The City’s policy is focused on setting standards for single family homes built using federal funds and there is opportunity to consider how the policy might work for the broader market.

In addition, I would support the City’s effort to partner with community organizations to create a low barrier housing shelter to help our neighbors who are struggling with substance use disorders or other issues keeping them from stable housing.

I’m proud the City of Fort Wayne is working with United Way of Allen County, the Fort Wayne Area Planning Council on Homelessness, and various community partners to prevent and end homelessness. I hope to be a part of making sure that everyone who calls Fort Wayne home has a home where they can feel safe and secure.

Housing is multi-faceted and also relates to our focus on growing wages. Fort Wayne can only be an affordable place to live if people make enough money to afford our housing offerings.

I’m running for Fort Wayne City Council At-Large to make sure Fort Wayne builds upon its accolades of being an All-America City to truly being a City for ALL.

During the pandemic, I was part of the efforts to provide information to our non-English-speaking residents in various languages. Similarly, I have supported enhancing the City’s Limited English Proficiency plan to increase access for residents who speak languages other than English to government services. I also have advocated for signs to be put up in Citizens Square and technology to be used to help non-English-speaking residents feel welcome and know that local government is here to serve everyone.

For my campaign, I had my walk piece translated into Spanish, and I have worked to connect with Burmese members of our community because I want every person in Fort Wayne to know they belong here.

Moreover, I have worked to improve representation at various decision-making tables, including building new opportunities through the Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation. It is noteworthy the Legacy Joint Funding Committee listed as an example to this question is actually a majority-female advisory group on which I, a female under the age of 45, am the longest-serving member. In fact, of the Mayor’s four appointments, three of them are women—one who is first-generation American and one who is Black. Whenever I have the opportunity to be part of discussions about inclusion in membership, including on nonprofit boards, I advocate for making sure the makeup reflects our community.

One opportunity I would like to create is a City Government 101 class residents can take to find out where they fit in potential leadership and service opportunities. I have done presentations to students at Purdue Fort Wayne, the Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council, and Leadership Fort Wayne, to help them learn about the various departments and services the City of Fort Wayne provides. In recognizing it is a privilege to have a seat at tables where organizations seek to work with local government, I also know we must do more to address issues such as childcare, transportation, and meeting locations to support more people in being involved.

My service on City Council will be dedicated to ensuring Fort Wayne’s government is accessible to all.

My vision for the future of Fort Wayne is a place where every person here feels valued, loved, respected, and supported. This can happen when we increase HOPE—health, opportunity, and prosperity for everyone. I believe that when people have the opportunity to use their gifts and talents to pursue their passions, they will realize their full potential and help Fort Wayne realize its potential as a strong, resilient, and equitable community.

Over the last ten years I’ve worked for the City, we have invested a great deal in brick-and-mortar growth, revitalizing our downtown and strengthening the connections among our neighborhoods with our streets, sidewalks, alleys, and trails. We need to do more to invest in our people so that everyone can experience the prosperity that is possible in our City. We must build up the workforce needed for the businesses we want to attract. We must partner with our educational institutions to offer the curricula to meet workforce demands. And we must reduce barriers such as transportation, childcare, and cost to make sure that people are successful in their pursuits for personal and professional development.

I would like to see the City do more to partner with other community entities to obtain grant funding and develop projects that might attract investments that diversify revenues to provide government services. We continue to receive “one-time” funding allocations from the state and federal levels and we must consider how we make investments that will pay back dividends as we’ve seen in some previous fiscal decisions.

Fort Wayne is large enough to challenge and small enough to care. We can reach untapped potential when we work together to help one another thrive. Fort Wayne could be on a map where we build upon our history of pursuing invention and innovation to be a place where dreams and opportunities are realized.

Q&A with Jennifer Matthias (D)

Running for: City Council, 1st District

It is important to me to keep our citizens healthy and safe. I will continue to support new ADA ramps, sidewalks, protected bicycle lanes and trailways which keep our communities connected. As your councilwoman, I will review and research traffic related data. What is the data telling me? What location, what time of day and what speed zones are we seeing the most traffic/pedestrian related accidents. I would use the data to support initiatives to improve these areas. While it would be easy to believe that most accidents happen in a mix-use district, like downtown where it is the most compact and we have a lot of people out walking around, most often data shows it's commercial districts which have the most reports. These are places like grocery store, shopping mall and strip mall areas. The roads which lead to these spaces are great at moving vehicles, but not so great at moving pedestrian traffic. I would also encourage the city to focus on reducing vehicle speed. Speed reduces recognition, extends the stop distance of vehicles, and increases risk. In the event of a collision, reducing speed gives pedestrians a chance.

As a FWCS School Board member, I understand the critical concern of transportation. Currently, in public education as well as public transportation, bus driver shortage is at an all time high. While funding plays a significant role in this problem, finding the human capital with the desire to drive a bus along with the skills, expertise and certification is also a problem. Public transportation is a necessity for economic development. I support exploring new methods of transportation to help our citizens move about the city and beyond in a safe and efficient mode.

Elected officials are entrusted to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in our city. As a leader, I am always working to do better. I believe that accountability ensures transparency in leadership. Accountability helps with making better informed decisions and builds trust. I can't change the past, but I can work hard to make future policy which can help create a successful community built on trust. It is up to our leaders to build relationships, make policy and act upon these policies for a better future.

Affordable housing is a problem nation-wide. I believe we must explore new and innovative ways to provide affordable, safe and healthy housing for citizens of all ages. We must look at current zoning policy, urban planning and land banks. Research what is being done in communities around the US and abroad to improve the affordable housing shortage. Ideas such as container home and tiny home communities should be explored. Be willing and open to new ideas and be an innovative city by creating policies which support new ideas which may never existed before now.

Local decision making needs to be inclusive. As a city, we should find resources to make sure all of our communication is translated. I will support the resources and organizations who are working with our non-English speaking residents. As a councilwoman, I would reach out to our local organizations working with our immigrants, refugees and international residents and build relationships to ensure the city is finding ways to communicate with all of our citizens.

My vision for the city is continued growth. As a councilwoman, one of my top priorities would be getting our area young adults involved in the vision. As a mother who has raised four children in Fort Wayne, I want a city that is growing and thriving in a way that my children learn to love the city like I do. The only way to achieve this goal is to be open to listening to what the young adults are looking for in a city. I am a leader who is willing to listen, learn and advocate.

Q&A with Audrey Davis

Running for: City Council, At-Large

I've heard repeatedly while canvassing high traffic neighborhoods of Downtown and East central how much speeding and blind spot intersections are a real issue. I would be in favor of adding more stop signs or speed deterrents or snapshot photography to be able to capture the drivers license plate of those who are running red lights, going too fast, etc., in hopes of that behavior eventually changing. I think this would go a long way my toward making people feel safer especially after the collisions and deaths we've seen downtown these last years.

I would also go to bat for greater accessibility and safety for pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections as well as advocating for awnings/coverings at bus stops, and safer on loading and offloading spots. Many elderly or disabled people feel a great deal of anxiety about taking the bus due to many stops not having proper ways to get across the street or a multiple lane road to get there.

Mobility is one of the biggest determinants of health and the main way to get out of poverty. I am committed to working with Citilink for expanding the bus routes, train and hire more drivers to be able to increase the frequency of stops and widen the schedule to all days if the week to ensure we as a city are showing with our transportation system that we want to be a city responsive to the pressures of global warming, and where residents are not reliant on personal vehicles. I would also be interested in looking at our high speed rail viability. The ability for people to get to groceries, family, and work easily and affordably will expand equity and create a more connected city life and sense of place for all.

The growing need for a responsive sense of Police accountability, the difficulty our police and fire are having in finding recruits, the immense weight of ever-expanding job responsibilities uniformed police officers have to face in their day-to-day work, and the fact that 60% of the city's operating budget goes toward law enforcement and public safety make it high time we as a city initiate an examination of conscience, and it will take all of us to label anew what we count as "public safety" to our lives and for the good of the whole. As a military veteran, I know what it means to belong to a uniformed service, and I believe to navigate this series of questions, Fort Wayne needs leaders who have a track record of working across varying levels of government, building common ground around the value add this would bring yo all of our lives (police, city, county, families and neighborhoods) and bringing in best practices to create a work plan for what success could be here.

In Fort Wayne, we are the second biggest city in a state that is the number one in the country for out of state developer/landlord forced evictions, which, according to the Eviction Lab website, we have about 15 evictions per day. We are also known for having one of the most landlord-favoring rental environments. And the Indiana FSSA — Family and Social Services Administration — report last year confirmed that the largest contributor to mental illness is insecure housing. It also hugely affects infant mortality rates, which Fort Wayne also has record-high numbers of especially among minority mothers.

We’ve seen leadership in City Council recently to pass legislation that gives tax abatements to developers of affordable housing, which can seem like a step forward. But, sadly what we see in builder-focused policies, there is no rules that require affordable housing to keep affordable rates, and in 10 years they are back to non-affordable rates. You cannot increase the labor force if you have no place for them to live. There are a set of solutions that we could pursue to ebb the tide:

Incentivize local development of the approximately 1,000 fallowed home properties that exist in the city which would bring new homes onto the market for an affordable rate, allowing a downward pressure on property taxes, and increase the chances residents of Fort Wayne have to build foundational wealth/equity through homeownership.
Ensure any Econ dev proposal, especially those involving residential areas, pass the “affordable housing defense” test.
Put a moratorium on Developers and property management companies that take over swaths of properties and increase rent exponentially overnight, and ensure corporations receiving tax abatements provide family wage jobs among other requirements.
The “Housing First” model, which is an effective city model meant to address homelessness, works when it is actually fully implemented: Get people into stable housing, and then all the service agencies they need (see Milwaukee model).

Putting every day people back at the center of local decision making is a key component of this campaign. As a trained organizer, a value that I would immediately be advocating for is the old truism "not for us without us," meaning, whether it has to do with homelessness, youth, the needs of the elderly, or formerly incarcerated, we as a city cannot be making decisions regarding a set our our community members without having those community members at the table as equal partners in the pursuit of solutions. It would be a goal of mine to work with the Department of Neighborhood and community development and neighborhoods association members to create a pipeline for growing "leaders in public life." The curriculum would teach basics of city and governmental offices and oversight, as well as how to ignite effective community engagement (charets, listening sessions, etc.), personal gifts finding and story shaping, and basics in power mapping and mechanics of social change. Interpreters and translators should be made available to each Area Partnership so as to assist them in their efforts to be cross culturally competent. Measures would have to be taken also to use a paid staff person for each to oversee implementation and proper recruitment/outreach expand the opportunities residents have to participate in leadership development.

While parts of the city have grown well, and we have put ourselves on the map as a formidable force in Northeast Indiana. A true sense of place and collective identity comes from doing common work together. We need a process in Fort Wayne that asks us all who we want to become: A gestation that takes us from being a collection of places and attractions to being resilient, healthy, connected and compassionate people. This process would naturally beg the questions of where we are weak, unhealthy, disconnected and without relationship, and what are the forces keeping those conditions there?

Once we've located what our vision for the future is, each department, sector and non-profit can see their value and unique potential in helping us advance toward it. Our city has a bivouac of populations that we'd want to each feel part of this envisioning process: legacy neighborhoods, institutions, families, new comers and young professionals, multi-cultural members new from Burma, Latin America, the working class and the retired, those from SE those in NE, our faith communities, our non-profits. Rather than the extent of our "placemaking" being around Fort Wayne being a great place to live, work, and play, I believe we need to engage our city around what it would look like if everyone belonged and had value and access. "Living well, Together." That is a challenge I'd love to see us as a citizenship and government wrestle with and decide to pursue.

Learn more about Fort Wayne’s races for City Council and City Clerk and who’s running here. The general election is Nov. 7, 2023.