Well what do you know, New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald was reelected. I voted for him because he has been a good mayor. We think he and his staff will continue to do a good job building the city of New Haven.

Tom Henry will be the new mayor of Fort Wayne. Based on what we know of him, he has the potential to continue the positive efforts of Mayor Richards and we wish him the best. Some people have the skills and some do not. Tom Henry has the skills and he has the potential to use them to make a positive difference for the citizens of Fort Wayne.

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Second District Recount On Monday, the Allen County Republican Party is expected to ask for a recount of the 2nd District votes in the Fort Wayne City Council race, which was separated by 13 votes with Democrat Karen Goldner ahead of Republican incumbent Don Schmidt.

We will not know the number of absentee ballots in the 2nd district until the final vote tallies are computed. The last we heard was that of the valid provisional ballots counted at this point, there were two for each Goldner and Schmidt.

Progress is American - The Center for American Progress

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If you like sex ads and violence, watch FOX, If you really want the news, watch something else.
http://foxattacks.com/decency

 

Now to improtant issues.

Mayor-elect Democrat Tom Henry is about to put his care for the future of Fort Wayne into action. Tom turned 56 on Friday and had no "birthday cake". He has been busy meeting with TV folks, radio interviews and Mayor Gram Richard and the city attorney. Henry, who served for 20 years on council between 1984 and 2004, will certainly be able to work with them to guide Fort Wayne to a successful future.

Today, Henry announced Ben Eisbart as the leader of his transition team and announce where people can send their resumes if they're interested in working for the city. The next three to four weeks will be spent interviewing current and potential staff.

Republican Councilman Don Schmidt who has apparently lost to Karen Goldner may call for a recount.

As it was Tuesday night, the mood at Republican Party headquarters on Main Street was somber as candidates spoke of their sadness at losing Schmidt — if the vote stands — and John Crawford, R-at-large, who finished fourth for three spots.

Republican Party Chairman Steve Shine, who has been fair and understanding or the diversity in Fort Wayne, said he thinks the party retains its core strength, citing the majority on council as evidence. His party needs mending so that they can more effectively help the citizens of Fort Wayne.

A question we have is why five precincts have not yet had their votes counted.

Tom Henry's vision for Fort Wayne:

♦For the public to decide how the city's Light Lease Fund, also known as the Community Trust Fund with it's expected value to reach its $40 million maturation in 2009

♦Pledges to deliver “cost-effective, high-quality services and get the most out of every tax dollar” in response to increasing property taxes

♦Formulation of “Celebrate Our Rivers” program to examine the opportunities of the rivers and riverfronts and work with the public to determine their future direction

♦Citywide Safe House Program to provide children with short-term shelter when they are feeling frightened

♦The formation of an Economic Development Coordinating Council to oversee groups that deal with economic development in the city and region

♦A collaborative purchasing network for the city and other area municipalities to buy in bulk to provide savings to taxpayers

♦The establishment of new Resident Advocate position to give recently annexed residents a one-stop connection to the city

♦A “Strengthen the Heart” strategy to assist small businesses and neighborhood commercial corridors, such as the one found on Wells Street

♦The creation of a Community Learning Network to facilitate communication between educators and businesses to utilize the city's broadband structure

♦An education summit of employers and educators to address efforts to prepare new graduates for employment by local businesses; the summit will be followed up with regular discussions.

♦A Sidewalk Strategy and Alley Improvement Initiative to improve the city's infrastructure.

 

OVERHEARD: Some attorneys and their wives were very concerned that Fort Wayne attorneys would be fired and unable to help Fort Wayne because Matt Kelty had said that the city of Fort Wayne did not NEED attorneys. Once again Kelty showed really poor judgment. Attorneys who work for the city - ACTUALLY DO WORK FOR THE CITY. They know the city, the law and the people. They know how things work for the citizens, and care about Fort Wayne's progress, then I think we should keep them. Kelty and those of his ilk want to privatize everything. That really means they want us to pay more so that a few can get rich. Well, that is how it usually works out. Geeeze. . .

At our house we just had a phone call from the woman Rachel took to get her voter ID. She thanked her again for helping and just wanted to talk a bit. It is good to help.

New Haven has elected Roger Clayton and Mickey Hill to the city council.
Both of these candidates worked hard and their involvement and concern in the life of New Haven made the difference. Jay Metzger also ran and cares equally about New Haven, but his area (at large) was much larger and his challenge was more difficult. None-the-less, all three are vital and important members of our community. We thank them for caring enough to run for public office. Roger and Mickey will help make an important difference in New Haven.

Tom Henry will be the next mayor of Fort Wayne

With 233 out of 240 precincts reporting, Matthew Kelty got 21155 votes and Tom C. Henry got 31721 votes - a VERY big difference and positive indication that Fort Wayne wants to move ahead in an intelligent way. John H. Shoaff (at large) won with 26623 votes and Karen Goldner (2nd district) is still in a tight race with 4562 votes against Donald Schmidt's 4549 votes. Tim Pape in the fifth district and Glynn Hines in the sixth, easily won reelection. In the fourth district, we were very disappointed that Mitch Harper won over Chris Stewart. Chris is an outstanding person and would have made an important difference for the city and his district. Kevin Boyd, a truly compassionate citizen of the First District lost as did the delightful Debra McBride in the third district. Again, we thank all candidates who ran. They care and they are respected for their dedication to the people of Fort Wayne.

Fort Wayne is so fortunate to have these Democrats elected to help govern the city. We have heard of harassment of Henry supporters by large threatening groups of Kelty followers and calls to the police about the incidents. This is not how democracy is supposed to work.

In Allen County, two out of every three people who could vote, did not vote. I worked in a polling place where 400 people in the district turned out to vote. The polling place is where you see the people who care enough about their city and their future to vote. Just think what a difference would be made if those who did not vote would do a little study and vote for the people who could help make their lives and their city better. What a shame they do not care enough to read, study and vote.

The celebration at the Grand Wayne Center.

By Robert Rouse

"It looks like cooler heads are prevailing."
- Dan Carmody, Outgoing President of the Downtown Improvement District

Tom Henry is an advocate for the downtown development project and like the revitalization of the Allen County Public Libraries, we will not know if it will successful until it is done. We suspect it will make a positive difference for the future of Fort Wayne, but only time and hard work will tell. The most important influence in his victory is that Tom Henry won because voters found him the most qualified.

Kelty’s position – that he opposed the project but would do everything he could to make it work – most likely only deepened the credibility problems he faced. Kelty has criminal charges against him, he lost the endorsement by Rep. Mark Souder, had a terrible campaign and appeared just strange to many voters destroyed any chances for his election.

The North River development and the purchase of Aqua Indiana will be important, but the city needs to do what is best for the citizens. Tom Henry has the experience and skills to work with a Republican-controlled City Council. As many voters are angry and believe they lack a voice in government, Tom Henry will be challenged to give them that voice as he works to help reach consensus on key issues with city council.

NEW: On election day, at Democratic HQ, a phone call came in from a Republican needing a ride to vote. She stated that she had called the Republicans for a ride and they asked if she was voting for Kelty or Henry. She refused to answer and they refused the ride. The important thing was that she WAS going to vote for Kelty, but changed her vote to Henry. The Democrats drove her to her voting place and we assume she voted for Henry. Kelty supporters tend to be (fill in your own description).

* * We have other reports of problems with Republican poll workers - if you had a problem at your polling place, call the election board. 449-7329 If you do not report it, it will happen again to others.

There were other such "terrorist" activities by Kelty supporters. I will not share because the election is over and it will not change the vote, but I will remember them. Tom Henry won because the majority of people in Fort Wayne had the wisdom to make the right choice.

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Every Vote Counts: Rachel McNett for the past week has been working with a woman in Fort Wayne who lost her voter ID. Without that, she also lost her right to vote. Following Rachel's advice, she sent to her birth state for her birth certificate and it arrived late last week. On Monday, Rachel took her to get her new voter ID. On Tuesday she will vote. It will be one of those that will elect Fort Wayne's next mayor. Every vote really does count.

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BAD NEWS! ! If you want to know what some Kelty supporters are like - Read this.
Horror stories (after Halloween)

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Evan Bayh endorses Tom Henry for Mayor of Fort Wayne

Senator Evan Bayh came to Fort Wayne on Sunday to show his support for Tom Henry. There was a rally at the Courthouse Green at 1 pm last Sunday and hundreds came to support all Democrat candidates. Below is a video by Robert Rouse of the event.

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Both Fort Wayne Newspapers agree with this site that Henry should be the next mayor.

But Tom Henry may NOT win and this is why. Most people think that Henry will win because Mr. Kelty is so damaged and most people in Fort Wayne do share his views. But hundreds of people will stay home and not vote because they feel comfortable with the expected result and they will let their neighbors pick the next Fort Wayne mayor and the next City Council representative as well. Matt Kelty's supporters will ALL vote - each and every one of them will vote - and their dead grandparents may vote as well. Kelty will win because of the people who did NOT vote. This is the election that will determine the future of Fort Wayne for many years. Please, please don't allow Fort Wayne's future to crumble. VOTE for Tom Henry and the good Democrats who care about Fort Wayne.

Remind all you meet that Matt Kelty will win unless smart voters and their friends actually vote. While they are at it, remember the other fantastic Democrats on the ballot that Fort Wayne needs in government. This is your chance to make a difference....

I hope I am wrong, but it is up to you to make the difference. . . Only you can make that difference. Get out there and VOTE for Tom Henry and his Democratic supporters. ! ! Fort Wayne matters.

VOTE like our future depended on it. . . . . . . it does

============

* * See and hear the last Henry - Kelty Debate from October 30 on Channel 15
look for the small picture of two men behind the two podiums

 

On Tuesday night, October 23, there was a debate between Tom Henry and Matt Kelty, both candidates for mayor of Fort Wayne at the main Library in downtown Fort Wayne.

It is amazingly true about what has been said about Mr. Kelty. The first time you meet Matt Kelty, he appears to be a great guy, but the second time you meet him you begin to wonder, is this guy for real? The third time you meet him you understand that there is something very different about this person.

The debate was helpful in that it helped clarify the candidates positions. Tom Henry often paused to answer, took his time, took notes and spoke with experience. Matt Kelty was quick to answer, spoke rapidly and took no notes - just spoke his beliefs. Read more and see pictures here

The next debate is Tuesday, October 30 @ Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

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About Voting & Election Day - Tuesday, November 6 - Polls open from 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

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John Shoaff has new video and more on this web page.

Thomas Essex - great choice for a Fort Wayne City Council At-Large seat

Learn about Debra McBride , Fort Wayne City Council - Third District.

Check out this good stuff about Karen Goldner

** Matt Kelty - Legal problems, birthday cakes & biggot radio ads - About Kelty

Maybe Matt Kelty would be a good mayor - at least for some people - but certainly not for most of us. You can get that idea from the fact that his friends ran their ad to a small segment of the population - expecting to leave the rest of us in the dark as to their true impressions of Mr. Kelty. Fortunately, the radio ad was exposed by the Internet and blogs and then newspapers and television did their job as did better thinking Republicans, like Mr. Shine. Fort Wayne people did not let prejudice go unchallenged. Good for all of them. We are a diverse community and living with and understanding diversity can add value to our lives if we will just open our minds and our hearts. - About Kelty

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Tom Henry and Chris Stewart Meet the Voters

On Sunday, October 14, there was an open house for Democratic mayoral candidate Tom Henry and 4th district city council candidate Chris Stewart. It was a chance for neighbors and friends of John and Jody Good to meet the candidates and get their questions answered. Tom and Chris gave a very nice presentation to the group and answered questions ranging from the Harrison Square project downtown to issues with the local water utility, Aqua Indiana, here in Aboite. All questions were thoroughly answered, and participants in our "mini town hall meeting" left satisfied and more fully informed than when they arrived.

The information on TIF Districts and how they apply to Harrison Square were most helpful in understanding how government can work wisely. One often hears how the mainstream media doesn't really provide enough information to the public due to schedules and time constraints. Listeners at this event were able to learn more about this project in a 30 minute Q&A session with knowledgeable persons than from months of local media coverage. Fort Wayne is very fortunate that such knowledgeable and dedicated citizens are willing to serve their city.

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- To learn more about John Shoaff, Ft.Wayne Councilman-At-Large, go to this web page.

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Pro-Life Democrats
Once in a while you will hear someone who is "pro-life" say they will not vote for a Democrat because they are "pro-choice." So they go ahead and vote for Republicans they think promise to protect the unborn. Then those elected Republicans give huge corporations and the very wealthy a tax break and a pretty much free hand to do what they want. They do little for the rest of Americans, those already born, the environment, health care, small business and a lot of other things that most voters think are important. The next time you meet someone with that single focus on one issue, remind them about "Democrats for Life of America", a national organization for pro-life members of the Democratic party. They exist to foster respect for life, from the beginning of life to natural death. This includes, but is not limited to, opposition to abortion, capital punishment, and euthanasia. You can see their web site at http://democratsforlife.org

It is time for all to understand that the Democratic party is open to everyone who really cares about a broad variety of issues - all of them are important for Americans and our planet. I don't know, but I suspect that about as many Republicans get abortions as Democrats. Frankly, most people do not get abortions. Choice means the right to choose not to have an abortion too. Choice can also mean voting for the candidate who will make the best and most important decisions for all of us - not just a few.

After all, isn't President Bush a big "pro-life" fellow? How many lives has he actually saved? How many Americans as well as others have his actions as president actually killed? We need to look more deeply into the candidates the next time we vote. If we do not look beyond single-issues, our nearsightedness will continue to hurt this nation, the people in it and a lot of other things that matter. And we each, individually, can make other personal and difficult choices in our own lives. After all, almost everyone really is Pro Life - in the broadest appreciation of our fellow humans and the other life on this great planet. It is time to make changes based on a bigger picture - while keeping our concerns and working to protect the unborn if that is what we choose to do.

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KELTY HAS HIS CAKE AND DENIES IT, TOO

Shown here, at left, is the GOP candidate for mayor, Matt Kelty looking at the infamous birthday cake - the Republican outhouse headquarters from his 43rd birthday party. This photo was taken just before Kelty denied all knowledge of the existence of the cake in his left hand, and just after he discussed his marriage to a group of faithful supporters.

"Home! And this is my room - and you are all here! And I'm not going to leave here ever again, because I love you all! And --- Oh, Auntie Em ----- there's no place like home!".

Apparently the Republican HQ is no longer his home.
- - and there is no room for him with the Democrats, either.

Even Mark Souder is "very troubled" by Matt Kelty and his campaign's lack of judgment. Besides the grand jury indictments, Souder, according to the Journal-Gazette, said there were many things that aren't public. Makes you wonder.

His campaign has been filled with problems - usually of his and his friends own making. Matt Kelty is probably a basically good person. Unfortunately the judgment as demonstrated during the campaign has done little to build any confidence that he has the skills necessary to be the mayor of one of Indiana's largest cities.

We thank the Kelty Campaign and his supporters for the photographs

Click here to learn more about Mr. Kelty

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Roger Clayton, running for New Haven City Council, 3rd District has a new web page

Roger Clayton has been an involved New Haven citizen for many years. Roger was appointed in April of 2007 to succeed Tom Lewandowskia as Third District Councilman in New Haven. He has served well and continues to represent the third district of New Haven. His learning curve has been very fast and Roger can work with everyone as he brings hometown values to city council.

Clayton has a sense of obligation to the community, state and nation. His participation in local Government will help fill that desire for a positive involvement in New Haven. Learn more about him at this web page

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Chris Stewart Spoke at the Democratic Luncheon Club.

On Wednesday, September 26, at the Democratic Luncheon Club, Chris Stewart, the Democratic candidate for Fourth District Council in Fort Wayne, spoke. After hearing him, I do not care if you are Democrat or Republican - you will really like this guy and appreciate what he is trying to do to make his district and Fort Wayne even better.

Based on what we heard and others who have spoken to me about him, Chris will bring a light to Fort Wayne City Council. His experience in business and the community brings a great deal to making Fort Wayne and his district better. While active in business - he still walks most days - 4 or 5 days a week to meet and learn from the people in the fourth district.

I know a bit about his opponent and while Mitch is a good guy, originally from New Haven, he carries a lot of baggage. While Mitch has a popular blog, he lacks the business background and successful neighborhood experience that Chris has, making Chris ready for this job. He has the ability to manage finances and that is a plus for city council. If you want to know more about Chris, contact me and I will share. If you want to know more directly from him, go to his web site. Chris has the tools, experience and skills to make a difference for Fort Wayne and while he is tackling the serious matters of business and politics, he keeps his sense of humor. That is a plus for all of us.

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Iran's president at Columbia University - a transcript and interesting read.

You can watch Republican Fort Wayne mayor candidate Matt Kelty's videos. Watch as many as you can stand - listen carefully and evaluate. Then seriously, very seriously consider voting for Tom Henry. A person who sees the world like the rest of us see things . . .

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If you live in New Haven, you probably already know about Mickey Hill. She is a most dynamic and involved member of our community who will make a difference. Mickey strongly believes that a good representative needs to communicate with his or her constituents and be accessible to the public. In the months ahead, Mickey will be in your neighborhood to talk about the issues that matter most to you. Tell your friends to help make New Haven better. Vote for and talk to Mickey. She listens and she will make a difference.

New Haven needs representatives who know their neighbors, know business, have government experience and love New Haven. Mickey has it all.

photo by the Journal Gazette

As your next City Council representative, Mickey will:
* Be visible and accessible to all residents of the 1st District.
* Communicate with you to find out your issues.
* Continue to support our River Greenway and promote connectivity (i.e. new sidewalks) throughout the district.
* Communicate with City personnel on a regular basis.
* Support Fire and EMS improvements for better safety and service.
* Promote more homeownership opportunities and support the formation of a neighborhood association in the older part of the district.
* Work with the Chamber of Commerce and the City of New Haven to promote business growth and create new economic opportunities.

Endorsed by the Journal-Gazette: "In District 1, Democrat Michelle “Mickey” Hill, 54, is the best choice. The owner of a Curves fitness salon in New Haven Plaza, she previously worked as a religious educator and taught at Ivy Tech. She has sound experience as a seven-year member of the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals and would make a decisive and energetic addition to the council.

District 1 is roughly bounded by Maysville Avenue on the far north, the railroad tracks to the south, city limits to the north and east and Estella Avenue on the west." (October 14, 2007)

- On a personal note, she is an exceptional candidate who will do all she can to make our city better.
. . . . . Go back, click on the city council picture. . . . and learn more about Mickey Hill.

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What Ever Happened to James Bopp?
We have heard no mention of James Bopp, Matt Kelty's famous Republican attorney for some time. The Journal Gazette has reported that Kelty hired Larry Mackey and Jason Barclay of Barnes & Thornburg in Indianapolis. Is it true that since the case has moved to a criminal matter that Mr. Bopp is off the case? More importantly, Kelty is trying to push his next court date past the election. If he wins the election and looses in court he cannot be mayor and the people will have lost their chance to pick the person who will head the Fort Wayne government for the next four years. What a pitty.

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TOM HENRY’S PROVEN BUSINESS SKILLS TO BOOST PUBLIC SAVINGS
Collaborative Purchasing Plan Leads List for Getting the Most Bang For Every Buck

Demonstrating his commitment to taxpayer savings, improved government effectiveness and enhanced cooperation, Mayoral candidate Tom Henry has rolled out his plan for a northeast Indiana collaborative purchasing network. The public-sector membership group would bid for commonly used products and services en masse creating economies of scale and a greater return on public expenditures.

“Higher value, better services, lower costs,” stated Henry. “These three simple tests have been my decision-making benchmarks. As a former hospital administrator, I helped start a group purchasing network that gave buying power to area hospitals and cut costs for patients. It saved, on average, 8 percent to 10 percent for our members every year. I’ll bring that same cost-efficient, customer-friendly thinking, experience and action into the Mayor’s Office. The citizens of Fort Wayne deserve to get the best deal, too.”

“Tax dollars are precious,” observed Henry. “We’ve got to do better with every single penny. Cooperative purchasing just makes sense. You build partnerships, join forces, negotiate for the best price, buy in bulk and pass the savings on to our citizens. I know how to get the most bang from every buck, because I’ve already done it in the private sector. I’ve proven it works. I can take our public-sector cost savings to the next level.”

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C A N D I D A T E S

New Haven

City Council - First District - Mickey Hill
City Council - Third District - Roger Clayton
City Council - At Large - Jay Metzger

Fort Wayne

For Fort Wayne Mayor - Tom Henry
Fort Wayne City Clerk - Sandy Kennedy
City Council - First District - Kevin Boyd
City Council - Second District - Karen Goldner
City Council - Third District - Debra McBride
City Council - Forth District - Chris Stewart
City Council - Fifth District - Tim Pape
City Council - Sixth District - Glynn Hines
City Council - At Large - John Shoaff - Thomas Essex Jr. - Denise Porter-Ross

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Learn about Barry Welsh. Indiana's Sixth Congressional District does include the southern and southeastern sections of Allen County. We need to work hard to unseat Mike "Iraq is just like a summer market in Indiana" Pence. Go to Barry's Web page and Barry's Blog to learn more about this better option. .

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click above to learn more about Karen Goldner

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This presentation was created by Karl Fisch and uses facts from
Thomas Friedman's popular book The World is Flat.
I have read the book while traveling in Canada and back home.