COUNCILMAN’S CORNER
The city elections are over—a relief to many, I’m sure. At the time of this writing the outcome of the November 4th election is still unknown. During the campaign I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many citizens of the Indian Village-Waynedale area as well as residents of all corners of our fine city. Two thoughts are indelibly fixed in my mind following conversations with hundreds of citizens during recent weeks. The first is that almost all local residents feel that this area is a great place to grow up, raise kids, work, and retire. The second is that I’ve been reminded many times recently that local elected officials are expected by their constituents to cooperate with one another and to take a bipartisan approach to solving problems. If I’m re-elected I pledge to do exactly that during the next 4 years.
Congratulations to several residents of the “Waynedale News” area who recently received “flood fighter” awards from the City of Fort Wayne. During the floods of 2003 many citizens of this area went above and beyond the call of duty sandbagging neighborhoods and helping others cope with the advancing floodwaters in many ways. I’ll never forget working with several volunteers who helped a woman on Dalevue Drive elevate her appliances and furniture on concrete blocks as the floodwaters advanced. Congratulations to those who received the awards as well as the many other unsung flood fighting heroes.
Having met during recent months with many neighborhoods who were affected by the 2003 floods I’ll make this pledge: I will definitely follow through during the coming months in pushing for the city to develop short term and long term plans for flood prevention and flood response. The next step in the long-term process is for the Army Corps of Engineers to complete its study of Fort Wayne’s flood prone areas. In the meantime Fort Wayne needs to refine its short-term plans for responding to floods with sandbagging, etc. in the event of recurrent flooding which could easily occur as early as next spring. I’m told that the city has purchased an automatic sandbagging machine that can fill thousands of sandbags very rapidly. The city is also moving toward having tens of thousands of sandbags always filled and ready to go in the event of a flood. We probably need to have access to bigger pumps to use in areas such as Belle Vista. These are only some of many possible preventative measures that can be part of future flood planning. Stay tuned for more information during the coming months.
Finally, plans are moving forward to greatly expand Fort Wayne’s (River) greenway system. A new extension of the greenway system will connect Swinney Park to Rockhill Park on the west side in 2004 and many other improvements are planned. The Indy greenway system known as the Monon Trail is developing rapidly and many local citizens are working hard to develop a similar system in the Fort Wayne area. Encouraging hiking and biking can only have positive benefits especially considering the problems many of us are facing with inactivity, weight gain, etc.
When you read this I’ll know the outcome of the city elections and whether I’ll continue to be your City Councilman. At the time of this writing I don’t know the answer to that question. Whatever happens thanks to each one of you who supported me during the recent election. I’ll continue to do my best if I’m re-elected to City Council. Call or email me with any suggestions or questions.
Thanks!!
Tom Hayhurst
City Councilman
4th District
432-8418
tom.hayhurst@verizon.ne
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