Education
IPFW
Current Employment
Architectural Products of Indiana - Budget Blinds of Fort Wayne
I am running for County Council to provide responsible, transparent, and disciplined financial leadership. County Council plays a critical role in setting the priorities, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring public dollars are spent efficiently and in alignment with long term goals. My professional and community experiences have taught me the importance of balancing growth with fiscal responsibility. My vision is to help ensure Allen County remains a strong, affordable place to live, work, and raise a family-- today and for future generations.
SB1 has made it clear that counties must operate with tighter margins and a stronger focus on long term financial planning. The way forward requires a combination of conservative revenue forecasting, disciplined spending, and prioritization of core services. Rather than relying on one-time fixes or shifting burdens to taxpayers. Planning ahead, maintaining adequate reserves, and making decisions based on data -- not short-term pressures -- will be key to navigating these challenges responsibly.
When setting local income or property tax rates, the most important considerations are protecting the homeowners, farmers, and those on fixed incomes while ensuring stable funding for essential services like public safety, roads, and public health. Tax decisions should reflect the impacts of state policies such as SB1, maintain Allen County's economic competitiveness, and plan responsibly for long-term infrastructure needs without placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers.
Education
High School Graduate
Current Employment
Retired
Political Experience
First time running for office
Facebook
Mike Clendenen for 1st District County Council
Campaign Phone
2604506327
I am running for Allen County Council – 1st District because our community deserves responsible leadership that puts taxpayers first and plans for the future. The County Council plays a critical role in managing budgets, setting priorities, and ensuring public dollars are spent wisely. I believe in fiscal responsibility, transparency, and making decisions based on facts—not politics. My priorities include supporting essential public services, maintaining strong infrastructure, encouraging responsible economic development, and keeping county government accessible and accountable. I will listen, ask tough questions, and work collaboratively to ensure stable finances, smart growth, and a county government that works for all residents.
While property tax relief can help many homeowners, Indiana’s Senate Bill 1 shifts significant financial pressure onto local governments that fund essential community services. Allen County Council must respond by protecting investments in public safety, public health, infrastructure, and community programs that residents depend on every day. Responsible solutions include thoughtful budgeting, greater transparency, and exploring fair revenue options that ensure the cost of services is shared equitably. At the same time, we must prioritize economic development, affordable housing, and workforce growth so our tax base expands over time. Our goal must be a balanced approach that protects both taxpayers and vital services.
When setting local income and property tax rates in Allen County, our focus must be on serving residents while protecting taxpayers. Taxes should fund essential services like public safety, roads, and parks, while remaining fair and affordable for families, seniors, and small businesses. We must stay competitive with neighboring communities to attract jobs and investment, while planning responsibly for future infrastructure and public safety needs. By balancing strong services, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility, we can keep Allen County a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
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Candidate was not sent a survey.
Candidate was not sent a survey.
Education
Butler University
Current Employment
General Manager, Veterinary Business WTMC, Inc
Political Experience
Incumbent, 6+ years
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Q4KFqxxPw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
County Council and the Commissioners have long had a relationship that dint work FOR the
constituents. By focusing on Transparency, exercising firm fiscal oversight and holding
everyone in government accountable, we have made great strides in bringing a more open
and accessible government to the citizens of Allen County and we need to keep putting
candidates in office who are transparent, collaborative and can work with all levels of
government whether it's Township, City, State or Federal.
While SB1 is a drastic change, with proper fiscal oversight, planning and zero based
budgeting, it isn't the doom and gloom it has been made out to be, but we need to have
experienced council members in office who understated the budget, the needs of each
department and where cuts can b e made. Experience matters and I'll bring my 6+ years of
council budgeting experience to keep our budget balanced and make sure that we continue to
provide public safety, infrastructure improvements and core county responsibilities.
Government needs to fund Public Safety, Infrastructure needs and constitutionally mandated or legislatively required offices and departments in the least regressive tax formula possible. Any expenditures beyond that should only be funded within our existing tax revenue base or be self funded within the department.
