COUNCILMAN’S CORNER
You’ve probably been hearing and reading more and more recent media discussion regarding possible reorganization of local government during the coming years. Various ways of reorganizing our outmoded city government within a county government structure have been discussed for decades. With a challenging economy that demands lean government (which doesn’t duplicate 90% of services as is currently the situation) and considering the fact that 75-80% of all Allen County residents will soon reside within city limits, the current structure is looking more and more outmoded. The next step will hopefully be the formation of a state-sanctioned study of alternative ways of reorganizing local government in Allen County. Hopefully a more efficient local government system will eventually be offered to citizens in a referendum and the citizens of Fort Wayne and Allen County can decide at the ballot box whether they want to upgrade to a new local government structure. Let me know your thoughts regarding this issue!
The new directional signals have finally been installed at the Lower Huntington Road—Bluffton Road intersection. I’ve generally been getting positive feedback regarding the long-awaited improvements at that intersection. Thanks to all of the citizens including neighborhood leaders and businesspeople who lobbied for the signal upgrades. Let me know what you think!!
I’m currently doing everything I can to make sure that Fort Wayne’s Purchasing Department “buys local” whenever it can legally do so. Chapter 15 of Indiana State Code restricts local government flexibility in this area quite a bit. However, it is possible for any governmental unit to preferentially purchase goods and services from local vendors when certain criteria are met. City government spends tens of millions of dollars on a wide variety of goods and services. Buying locally should give one more boost to our struggling local economy!
Some Waynedale residents are interested in starting a campaign for a new YMCA or YWCA in the “Waynedale News” area. I’ve been in touch at a very preliminary level with Y officials regarding this suggestion. For a new Y to become a reality much fundraising would obviously have to be accomplished. Let me know if there is a strong interest in “lobbying” for a new Y including working hard on the fundraising component.
Finally, I’d like to mention that I receive several hundred suggestions every year regarding new private or public projects, requests for neighborhood capital expenditures, etc. Many of those requests can be dealt with very efficiently with a telephone call or a meeting and the matter is settled. Other projects take longer to move forward when there are funding challenges, debate over project details, etc. When it comes to upgrades of streets, sidewalks, streetlights, and other neighborhood projects it’s very important to let your neighborhood association leaders, as well as me know your wishes. CEDIT request forms have been mailed to every neighborhood president and should be forwarded to Molly McCray, City Council Research Assistant, by March 15th. THANKS!
Give me a call or send an email with any suggestions or questions regarding Fort Wayne. Thanks for your feedback!
Tom Hayhurst
City Councilman—4th District
432-8418
tom.hayhurst@verizon.net
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