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.

Didier, Stafford square off for GOP nod in 3rd council district

No Democrat on May 5 ballot

There is no Democrat on the May 5 ballot to represent city council's 3rd District, but the Republican primary features a race between long-time incumbent Tom Didier and challenger Mark Stafford, who would lose one job if he wins this one.

One of Didier's priorities is to continue efforts to make Fort Wayne a regional sports hub, a goal enhanced by his successful efforts to bring the Canlan ice facility and adjacent field house to his district and efforts to create a youth baseball academy at the Ash Center.

“I'm focused on the neighborhoods. I believe we have to get more, because some things have been neglected for so long. Some of our sidewalks are 100 years old,” he said. “We need to become more progressive on infrastructure.”

Didier said he is proud of working to improve drainage and limit flooding along the Spy Run Creek near the new Costco and Kelley Chevrolet facilities and believes money in the Legacy Fund will be used more sparingly in the future than in the past in order to conserve money for riverfront improvements. “I'd like the money to be there in 30 years, but for now I'm OK with how it's been used,” he said.

Along with other council Republicans, Didier last year voted to eliminate collective bargaining for most city employees. He still stands by what he called “a difficult decision,” but said he would consider minor changes if necessary.

When Stafford talks about helping people, he remembers the man in a wheelchair who had to travel in the street because the sidewalk was in such bad shape or homes where sewage still backs up into the basement. Such episodes, he said, show how the city often gets its priorities wrong.

“Before we do riverfront development, we should make sure there's a community center in Franklin Park,” he said, referring to the park that will be developed at the former Franklin School site on St. Mary's Avenue. “If (the cost of) labor is an issue, let's roll up our sleeves and do it.” Improvement of streets and neighborhoods is a priority for Stafford, who said he would work closely with Neighborhood Code to combat blight and renovate buildings when possible.

He believes infrastructure and education are key to economic development, but Stafford also wants companies receiving tax breaks to contribute some of those savings into a fund to promote job creation. Vacant buildings could be targeted for improvement. “We need to start small with manageable goals,” he said.

Stafford believes the Legacy fund should be conserved so some of the money is available for future generations. He also favors a conservative approach to downtown development, saying “I don't want to still be paying for it in 30 years.” He is satisfied with council's decision to eliminate collective bargaining for non-public safety employees but supports the decision to leave it in place for police and fire employees.

Stafford would be legally required to resign from his city job if elected, but says he is willing to do that because “I'm committed to the district.”