From the moment I began telling people that I intend to run for Mayor of Fort Wayne during the next election, I have been repeatedly asked two questions. “What is your platform?” And “Why would you want to do that?”
I hope this post answers both.
Abraham Lincoln once referred to our government as “...of the people, by the people, for the people”, but it would seem our elected leaders more closely follow “Of the party, by the party, for the party.”
I have grown tired of the hardline stances taken by the Left and Right and their unwillingness to find common ground, both locally and nationally.
I could grumble, complain, and make posts on social media about how much I disapprove of elected officials listening to party leadership over the people, but instead I have decided to get involved.
For most of my life I served this community and although I do not miss that job, I do miss being of service. I feel that I have more to give our City and I feel that the time is right to step forward.
You may say to yourself that one person cannot possibly change such a daunting system that is mired in political heavy handedness, but I won’t be alone. I have you.
My goal, or vision, or just generalized hope, is that over the next couple of years we can have discussions about what you want to see happen with your City. I want to hear what you have to say and I want “my platform” to be yours.
This idea I have is not about me obtaining power or creating a legacy, it is about you having a voice outside of whether or not you voted for a Republican or a Democrat.
Your involvement is my platform and it is the reason why I would venture into a political quagmire that we would all just rather avoid.
There will be plenty of time over the next three years to talk about specifics, but I wanted you to know that I am asking for your input and support so that we can shape this City in a way that benefits everyone who calls it home.
Can we make everyone happy, no we cannot. But we can be reasonable and use good judgment to make decisions that benefit more than one party or the other.
Please join me in creating something we have forgotten. Something of us, by us, and for us. I love you Fort Wayne,
Freddy