July 25, 2023 - The sustaining of my veto on G-23-06-42 as amended, which sought to set term limits for mayoral appointments to the City of Fort Wayne’s boards and commissions, is a win for the residents of our community.
To ensure efficient governing of the city, state law requires the Mayor to make appointments to boards and commissions in order “to efficiently perform the administrative functions required to fulfill the needs of the city’s citizens.” Many of the City’s boards and commissions function as extensions of executive responsibilities. The General Assembly’s decision to not include term limits in legislating the parameters for mayoral appointments leaves the decision of whether to impose such limitations in the executive, not the legislative, branch.
A balance must be maintained between appointing new members and renewing the terms of members currently serving on boards and commissions. Members who continue their service offer expertise, leadership, and institutional knowledge.
I regularly review my board and commission appointments during and nearing the conclusion of members’ terms. As the one given the responsibility to make such appointments, I take this duty seriously and will continue to do so.