Fort Wayne and its people lost one of their favorite mayors when Tom Henry died on March 28. Mayor Henry was a long-time friend and cheerleader for me and my business. He advertised with us back in the days when he ran Midwest HealthNet a long, long time ago. He and I worked together co-hosting a number of nonprofit events over the years and always had a great time together. I miss him.
Shortly after his lovely wife, Cindy, died, and before he was diagnosed with cancer, we made plans with Mayor Henry to be our ‘10 Questions With’ individual in this issue of Business People magazine. He graciously accepted the offer and provided the thoughtful responses to our questions that you are about to read. We feel it’s important to share his thoughts with you. He was intimately involved in the revival of downtown Fort Wayne and was very pleased with the transformation that will continue for years to come. If you attend any charity events in Fort Wayne, you most likely weren’t too far from the Mayor — he attended A LOT of them.
Please enjoy his words here. This article is also available at businesspeople.com. Feel free to comment there, and tell your story about your experience and relationship with Mayor Henry.
-Dan Copeland
Q1: Why did you first decide to run for Mayor? What has been a driving force in keeping you interested in this position for so long?
In 2007, the Allen County Democratic Party needed a candidate. I felt it was important to step up and lead with a commitment to ensuring that Fort Wayne would continue to succeed. Being mayor has been a wonderful and unique experience. I’m now in my fifth term and have really enjoyed serving our community. Prior to becoming mayor in 2008, I had served for 20 years on City Council. It’s been rewarding to see how our downtown revitalization continues to hit the mark, our neighborhoods are thriving and southeast Fort Wayne is seeing investments like never before.
Q2: What one most important thing have you learned during your 16 years running the City?
Surround yourself with good and talented people and allow them to do their jobs. I’ve been blessed to have a forward thinking and professional division head team that has carried through to department heads, and all city employees for that matter.
Q3: Which of your accomplishments as Mayor are you hopeful will continue long after you leave office?
I hope that our community will continue to believe in itself and keep pressing forward. Downtown, southeast Fort Wayne, our neighborhoods, parks, public safety, community development, public works and City Utilities all have vital functions that must continue to operate at a high level for Fort Wayne to be the very best.
Q4: The City of Fort Wayne has seen some awesome improvements in the downtown area. Which is your favorite?
There have been so many success stories that I can’t single out just one project. Certainly, Parkview Field, Promenade Park and riverfront development jump to the top of the list. I also have a fond regard for The Landing and what we’ve been able to do there. Having the corporate headquarters for Ash Brokerage downtown as part of the Ash Skyline Plaza was a game changer, along with The Bradley boutique hotel, The Pearl, The Ashberry, The Riverfront at Promenade Park and The Lofts at Headwaters Park, to name a few. I really like the blend of housing, retail, dining and recreation that we’ve been able to put together downtown for the public to enjoy.
Q5: What ongoing initiative in Fort Wayne are you especially excited about?
I’m intrigued by the new data center project in the area off Adams Center Road. There’s no question, Google is a major win for our community. This development is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will bring excellent jobs, new economic development possibilities and further strengthen Fort Wayne as an ideal location for businesses to invest. I want to personally thank Greater Fort Wayne, the City of New Haven, the County of Allen and my staff for the amount of work that went into getting the necessary approvals to move the data center project across the finish line.
Q6: What is your best advice to someone interested in running for local office?
Service over self is very important. Also, make sure that you understand the time commitment and impact on your family life. Public service is a special calling; it isn’t for everyone. Do your homework and have a good grasp of what you want to do and why, and understand the issues facing the community.
Q7: When you won the Mayor’s office for the first time, did you envision being in that position as long as you have?
I can’t say that I envisioned serving as Mayor as long as I have. I have just really enjoyed being Mayor and the tremendous strides we’ve made as a community to be a live, work and play leader, and a point of destination city for businesses, individuals and families. The growth and momentum we’re experiencing continue to amaze me. It’s critical that we keep moving forward together, and not stop.
Q8: You seem to be at every function that takes place in Fort Wayne. Do you ever have any down time?
Being Mayor is an excellent job, but it does require evening and weekend commitments from time to time. I do my best to meet as many obligations as possible, but I also have an outstanding leadership staff that assists as well. I do enjoy reading and working in my yard in my down time.
Q9: Your life has changed recently with the loss of your wife, Cindy. We have seen an outpouring of love in our community for her and you. How are you coping?
I think I’m doing as well as can be expected. I’m still grieving. Cindy was my soulmate and best friend. We were married for nearly 50 years. My family and I are forever grateful for the outpouring of love and affection we have received from our entire community since her passing. The respect that’s been shown to us in honor of Cindy will never be forgotten. I’m also now navigating my own health battle against stomach cancer. I have complete confidence in the team in charge of my care and in my ability to carry out my term as your Mayor for as long as God sees fit.
Q10: What else would you like to share with our readers?
It has been my honor to serve as Mayor of the City of Fort Wayne. Truly, it’s a great time to be in Fort Wayne. We’re leading the way in Indiana and nationally. I’m ready for our residents and businesses to embark on a new journey filled with projects, opportunities and a promise for a better tomorrow.
