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Publisher’s Note: In the interest of public education of local politics and to encourage voting, The Waynedale News offered all of the candidates in the upcoming primary election the opportunity to share their biography and goals for the office that they are running for. This came with the stipulations that they were not allowed to degrade other candidates or current policy, and they were required a minimum advertising budget for The Waynedale News area. Staying true to our non-bias news and positive outlook, we do not endorse or recommend any of the candidates on this page further than any other candidates running for office. But these are the candidates wanting to be seen by you. Our recommendation is to use this page as a reference when researching candidates for the upcoming primary election, make educated decisions on who you would like to see in office and most importantly VOTE on May 5th at your predestinated voting location. More information about the upcoming elections can be found online at www.allencounty.us/election-board.
As a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne and a resident of the 4th District for close to 20 years, I have a deep understanding of the challenges that face the district, as well as the passion and drive needed to face those challenges. I grew up in Waynedale and I now reside in Aboite Township so I have a thorough knowledge of the entire district. I love this City and I believe that this is a very exciting time, but also a very important time that will shape the future of Fort Wayne.
I have served as the Chief Deputy Assessor of Allen County for the past 8+ years. I was appointed by County Assessor Stacey O’Day in 2007. This position has made me one of the top property tax experts in all of Fort Wayne. This experience, along with my background as a Business Finance major, uniquely qualify me to help make the decisions that will face the 4th District and the City as a whole.
There are a number of issues that will be addressed over the next 4 years. A lot of the focus is on the Legacy Fund, economic development and riverfront development. Our neighborhoods and infrastructure have to be at the top of that list as well. With dwindling funds for school transportation, we have to ensure that our sidewalks and trails are safe for our kids to walk and ride on. Strong neighborhoods are the backbone of a successful city.
The Legacy Fund is a great asset for this City, but we need to focus on preserving the fund so that it truly is a legacy for generations to come. I will not approve any expenditures out of the fund that are not truly transformational. I would also introduce a plan to make the fund similar to a grant program that would be used to match private investment dollars on a percentage basis. The City should not be on the hook for more dollars than the private entities are. We need to focus on finding these partners in the private sector and working together to build a better Fort Wayne.
With my experience in the assessment field, I will bring a fresh perspective to the economic development process. I will focus on tax abatements and help bring more accountability to the companies that are receiving these tax breaks on their investments. Abatements are a great tool for local governments, but we also need to protect the overall tax base.
Fort Wayne has been a great home to me and my family. I am a graduate of Bishop Luers and IPFW. I met my wife Julie here and we are now raising our son Jack here as well. The City has come a long way, but I truly believe it can become an even better place to live, work and play.
On May 5th, vote for Ryan Keuneke for Fort Wayne City Council 4th District.
Paid for by the Keuneke for Council Committee
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