Duties: Council's nine members pass ordinances, resolutions, orders and motions. They also control city property, approves the budget and can award economic development incentives.

Annual salary: $22,279

Term: Four years, beginning Jan. 1.

Second District Democrat council race features 'battle of Michelles'

Hill, Merritt, want to unseat incumbent Republican Russ Jehl

No matter how the race for the Democrat nomination for 2nd District City Council turns out, a Michelle will battle incumbent Russ Jehl for the seat in November. Jehl is unopposed in the May 5 Republican primary, with Democrats selecting between Michelle Hill and Michelle Merritt.

Hill believes the city is spending too much money from the Legacy fund and other sources downtown at the expense of other areas, including the 2nd District. “The creation of the downtown roundabout is a prime example of wasteful spending. How many important projects could have been funded by that money?” she asked.

Hill would conserve the Legacy fund, directing resources to districts she believes have been ignored. She would also scrutinize applications for economic development incentives, concerned that she “has not seen many, if any, refusals of funding to companies.” Hill also wants to restore collective bargaining for city workers.

“Some areas could use updates to streets and sidewalks. And we have a lot of empty buildings (that should be filled). Downtown should be championed by other people (not the 2nd District Council member),” added Hill, who also wants the city to do more for the homeless.

Hill created myblackdresses.com, an on-line business selling only black dresses, in 2013.

Merritt, however, said her status as a relative newcomer gives her a fresh perspective on the city's strengths and needs.

“When I came (to the city) in 2008, people asked me, ‘Why did you move to Fort Wayne? ‘ But exciting things are happening and today we understand why people come. There’s a sense of community pride. Citizens feel they can come together for causes that matter,” said Merritt, who wants to help keep that momentum going.

One of those causes is the continued development of downtown, which she believes will continue to draw people to town. “The apartments are full, and it’s a great opportunity to market ourselves,” she said.

Merritt believes her previous work with the Chamber equips her to help promote economic development, and she also wants to work closely with neighborhood associations. “I want to be responsive, do more listening than talking. People want to feel that their representatives know who they are,” she said.

Although she wants each proposal for Legacy funding to be viewed with “care and caution,” she also believes it’s “OK to be ambitious,” supporting programs to boost sports activities, among others.

Merritt also believes city employees should have the right to collective bargaining, which council eliminated for most workers last year, adding that “it frustrates me when there are groups that think they need power.”