Education
Bachelor's Degrees in Political Science and Communication
Current Employment
Marketing Professional
Political Experience
Former Campaign Manager for State Representative Kyle Miller, Former Vice Chair of the Allen County Democratic Party, Former Campaign Organizer, Longtime Democratic Advocate and Activist
Facebook
www.facebook.com/people/Brandon-Blumenherst-for-Wayne-Township-Board/61587552502456/
I'm running to bring a new perspective and new ideas to the Wayne Township Board because I believe we should work to make township government more accessible, strengthen existing programs, and advocate for township government both locally and at the Statehouse. We're in unprecedented times, and I believe township assistance will probably be needed now more than ever due to the cost of everything going up. That's why we need to meet this moment with urgency and empathy and truly evaluate if there are better or more effective ways to serve Wayne Township residents. Experience can matter, but so can a willingness to try new ideas and approaches to better serve residents.
SB1 will likely reduce the resources available to Wayne Township, meaning our budget may need to shrink even as the need for assistance grows. As housing, utilities, and everyday costs continue to rise, more residents may rely on township services for help.
That means we will need to find ways to do more with fewer dollars. By strengthening partnerships with local nonprofits, prioritizing programs that keep people housed and families stable, and ensuring strong financial oversight, we can continue to serve residents effectively while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Education
Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Science
Political Experience
For more than 16 years, I have worked to expand housing access, protect civil rights, and improve services for foster youth and working families in our community. My experience includes: Serving on the Indiana Youth Advisory Board for the United Way. Helping develop the first Indiana Department of Child Services Youth Bill of Rights. Supporting the creation of The Courtyard, housing for youth aging out of foster care. Working to expand Medicaid coverage for foster youth through Senate Enrolled Act 497. Serving as Precinct Committeeman for Precinct 452. Running a historic write-in campaign for Allen County Council (2020). Working with the ACLU to secure policy changes protecting First and Fourth Amendment rights after the 2020 protests.
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Crane4Wayne
I’m running for the Wayne Township Board because this is where my experience and passion can best serve our community. I grew up in poverty and spent years in foster care, moving through more than a dozen homes. As a young adult, I also faced eviction and homelessness and relied on the same Township services many families depend on today. These experiences gave me firsthand understanding of how critical the Trustee’s Office is. I’m not running because I’ve seen these challenges from a distance. I’m running because I’ve lived them. I will work to ensure the Township continues serving people with fairness, dignity, and effectiveness.
SB 1 will have a significant impact on trustee offices by reducing available budgets and increasing pressure on local assistance programs. In response, I will work with community partners to expand access to outside support services that applicants can use alongside Trustee assistance. This will help ensure residents continue receiving the help they need despite funding challenges. For example, I support creating a benevolence fund specifically to assist members of the LGBT community who may face barriers due to discrimination from some external service providers. My goal is to strengthen partnerships and make our safety net more accessible, fair, and effective for everyone.
Education
MA Education, Catholic University of America
Current Employment
Retired
Political Experience
Four terms as Waynetownship Advisory Board
Facebook
Tony.henry.777@facebook.com
I have always had the inclination to assist those who are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Township does that. Being a Board Member helps me oversee the facilitation of the means to assist such persons.
Since Townships budgets flow from tax property revenue, and law SB1 is directed toward giving homeowners tax dollars relief for 2026, it will impact the governing of Wayne township’s budget. The revenue will be less for assistance. It’s imperative that township assistance for those in need remain substantive to meet requests, even if it means reducing administrative costs to meet poor relief.
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Candidate was not sent a survey.
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Education
BA From IU at Ft. Wayne, Law Degree from John Marshall Law School
Current Employment
Attorney "Of Counsel" with Fletcher Van Gilder Law Firm focusing in senior care and planning
Political Experience
60 years as an active Democrat serving as precinct committeeman, Ward Chairman,coManager of multiple successful campaigns including former Congressman Roush, Vice Chairperson of the Win Mosees for Mayor Committee in 1979, aswell as Chairperson of the Re-Elect Jimmy Stier committee.
Now more than ever effective & deliberate local government is essential to serve the taxpayers. That means using that # 2 lead pencil effectively while still making sure that working families have the gas vouchers to drive to work. That is why I'm running !!!
In a diabolical way !!! For most tax years prior to SB1 Wayne Township reduced it's share of the Tax levy. This enabled the Township to reduce taxes but increase services (like gas vouchers ). Evan years before Trump's attack on Iran your Wayne Township Board were planning on GOP inspired gas shortages.
SB1 shifts the tax burden from property to income. this shifts the taxburden from millionaires and billionaires to retirees and working families. This is already having a profound effect on our Budget as these hard working people seek emergency assistance !
SB1 doesn't reduce local government and local assistance it expands it.
Education
Graduate of Indiana University. Leadership Fort Wayne graduate, also.
Current Employment
Tobacco Free Allen County
Political Experience
16 Year Wayne Township Advisory Board member
Facebook
Personal Facebook page
I am running for re-election because I know how important it is that there is adequate money available to provide emergency resources for the poor in the Trustee’s coffers. I was once a single mom and needed assistance and was glad there was help available for me and my daughter.
We know that we will be receiving less monies because of this Bill. We have been very fiscally responsible and will make sure that we do not have to cut the financial resources that we provide to our clients.
