As John Weicker finishes his final two months of school, he’s counting down the days with a small ticker in his office.On Thursday, the counter read 44 days, plus a few hours, minutes and seconds.Mayor Tom Henry delivered his annual State of the City address Wednesday, telling a large audience that Fort Wayne is strong and getting stronger.
“We have job growth, a quality of life that is second to none, a thriving downtown, great schools, trails and parks,” Henry told about 100 people in the Allen County Public Library auditorium. “While other communities across the state and country are struggling, we stand tall.”
He cited the accomplishments of 2012, including expansions by area firms, including Sweetwater Sound, Edy’s Ice Cream, Dowco, Voss Automotive, Brotherhood Mutual, Vera Bradley and General Motors, which he said have brought $138 million in investments and 1,500 new jobs.
Henry mentioned the city’s ongoing efforts to acquire Aqua Indiana’s southwest water utility, saying the push is vital to the citizens in that area.
“I personally have serious concerns about their ability to meet water demands and a lack of a plan to meet the needs of its customers,” Henry said. “This is about public health and public safety. Those issues cannot be compromised.”
Henry did not announce any new initiatives except an internal program for city employees.
For more on this story see Thursday’s print edition of The Journal Gazette or return to www.journalgazette.net after 3 a.m. Thursday.
Related
