INDIANAPOLIS – House and Senate leaders took time Tuesday to honor “a true gentleman” – Fort Wayne’s own John Okeson.

They passed a memorial resolution in both chambers and spoke eloquently about Okeson’s life and sudden death in April 2008 at the age of 43.

The one-time Republican state clerk of courts who later served Gov. Mitch Daniels as senior legislative counsel came down with the flu, but bacterial pneumonia, which led to toxic shock syndrome, ultimately caused his death.

His death stunned family, friends and colleagues. He had competed in triathlons and was the picture of health.

“He was a mentor and role model to so many more than he likely knew,” the Senate resolution said. “He inspired others not only through his calm words, but his principled actions. He took on others’ burdens as his own and was respected and liked by all.”

Okeson’s three children and mother were among the family members to attend Tuesday’s events in both chambers.

Republicans and Democrats took to the microphone to talk about Okeson’s service to the state and his family. Some remembered him getting in his car on many nights and driving to Fort Wayne to be with his kids. Others recalled a fair negotiator and public servant.

“He told the truth. He never threatened or bullied – he did it with logic,” said Rep. David Frizzell, R-Indianapolis.

And Rep. Randy Borror, R-Fort Wayne, encouraged his colleagues to emulate him “because he was that kind of a giant of a man.”

At last a chairman

Jim Long is the new chairman of the Huntington County Democratic Party after much consternation.

He became the third chairman of the party since March.

During a caucus on March 7, outgoing chairman Ken Zuk cast a deciding vote in favor of Gary Snyder after the caucus produced two tie votes.

But several local Democrats contested the result – claiming Snyder wasn’t actually a Democrat (he had previously run for office as a Republican) and also that several proxy votes were improperly allowed.

The Indiana Democratic Party overturned the results and called for a new election.

At that time, Snyder decided not to run again – giving Long an uncontested victory April 4.

High performance

The Fort Wayne contract with a government efficiency group made up of former Mayor Graham Richard appointees drew heavy scrutiny from the City Council. But that hasn’t stopped other communities from hiring the group.

The Times of Northwest Indiana reported that Valparaiso has hired the High Performance Government Network recently to study the city’s operations. Mayor Jon Costas said his city will pay between $25,000 and $30,000 per year for the group’s work. The group’s Web site lists Angola, Indianapolis and New Haven as members, along with other Indiana communities.

Montagano works

Last year’s failed Democratic candidate for Congress has found new employment.

Baker & Daniels announced last week that Michael Montagano will join as an associate in the business and corporate finance practice in the firm’s South Bend office. Montagano lost to Rep. Mark Souder, R-3rd, last year.

Officials’ night out

Fort Wayne and Allen County executives will make themselves available to the public in the near future.

Mayor Tom Henry will hold a night out from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 29 at the Dupont Branch of the Allen County Public Library, 536 E. Dupont Road. Fort Wayne residents can call 427-1120 to schedule a 10-minute block of time to meet with Henry and members of his staff.

The Allen County commissioners will host three nights out in the next month to meet with residents. They will be in New Haven 7 p.m. April 30, at the police training room in City Hall, 815 Lincoln Highway East. At 6:30 p.m. May 14, they will be in Harlan at the Community Park Shelter on Second Street. They will be in Grabill at the South Park Pavilion at 6:30 p.m. May 21.