COUNCILMAN’S CORNER
Recent crime statistics for the 4th City Council District which includes the Waynedale area show a 1% decrease in crime this year when compared to 2003. The southwest part of the city—including “The Waynedale News” area—has historically been a safe place to live and this continues to be the case. I give lots of credit for this trend to stable families, citizens who look out for one another, strong neighborhood associations, and the entire southwest police division—headed by Chief Doug Lucker- that keeps a close eye on this area. I’m happy to pass along this good news. Don’t forget that measures such as locking your home and car and reporting any suspicious activity to the FW Police Department still make sense.
City Council is currently reviewing the city budget that was submitted by the Mayor in early September. The revenue side of the budget is a major challenge to say the least. Estimated local income tax revenue (COIT and CEDIT) has dropped from $34 million to about $28 million since 2002 and property taxes have definitely been shifted considerably from business to residential property. Call or email me if you have any thoughts regarding budgetary cuts council should make during our budget sessions.
You’ve probably heard quite a bit about the recent debate over the city’s truck ordinance. For over a decade Fort Wayne hasn’t had an enforceable ordinance and City Council is working with the Chamber of Commerce, neighborhoods, truckers, and the Mayor’s office to remedy that situation. Whatever comes out of this discussion needs to take into consideration the needs of residential areas as well as commerce including trucking businesses. The lack of a trucking ordinance at this time also results in lots of unnecessary expensive deterioration of our roads and streets since trucks over 10 tons can currently travel at any time on any street—including those not built to handle the big rigs. Let me know your thoughts regarding this issue.
I’ve had lots of calls recently about storm water problems, especially after heavy storms. I’ve asked the city utilities storm water staff to investigate these complaints that seem to be coming from areas of the city that haven’t had much difficulty with flooding in the past. I’ll keep after the city staffers to do whatever is necessary. Be sure to report storm water problems by calling 427-1255.
Congrats to Beulah Stoker, Cheryl Connett, Renee Haugh, and their fellow volunteers and many donors for another successful Waynedale Community Picnic on August 30th! Also, don’t forget to register to vote in the upcoming local, state, and national elections on Tuesday, November 2nd!
Tom Hayhurst
City Councilman
4th District
432-8418
tom.hayhurst@verizon.net
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