Changing of the Guard

In approximately 11 hours, the leadership of the Allen County Democratic Party will pass from Kevin Knuth to Mike Bynum. As noted in my previous post, I am very happy that Mike has stepped up to fill this position; his qualifications are impeccable and I believe in his leadership and his future guidance of the party. This post, however, is directed towards the past, Kevin Knuth, and where he has led us.

In a local newspaper article, Kevin stated that his style differs from Mike's - that he's more of the "kick down the door type" while Mike is more of a consensus builder. I'm all for pulling together, but I, for one, will miss the pitbull that Kevin was in the local media. Kevin gave no rest to the opposition; calling them out on everything he could find. THEY will not miss you; the rest of us will!

Every time that I read a blog post or media story regarding "why does the ACDP Chair spend so much time "attacking" the local GOP" I was filled with pride that you were digging up the dirt that was so easy to find, yet so unexpected from a local party who felt that they were safe from any repercussions from their actions. You alone have brought accountability to the ACRP - whether or not they learn the lesson is up to them.

Kevin (and Brenda) - We thank your for your hard work to move our party forward! Indeed, the Allen County Democratic Party has replaced the Shine Machine as Indiana's Premiere Political Party!

Bynum for ACDP Chair

Okay, I am admittedly a bit late in covering this one, as noted by Rachel. The other coverage thus far has included: Mitch Harper, in a somewhat smarmy post, noting that the deadline to file for this position had already passed, and; Dan Turkette, invoking conspiracy theories, digging for dirt. I will tell you what I personally know about Mike Bynum who, if you were unaware, was the only brave soul to file to become Kevin Knuth's successor as chairman of the Allen County Democratic Party.

I've had the pleasure of knowing Mike since 2000 when I lived in the southeast area of Fort Wayne, in a neighborhood that I had grown up in. After some kicking and screaming, I had agreed to accept the position of neighborhood association president of my subdivision, Southwick Village. I attended meetings of the Southeast Area Partnership before and during my tenure in that position, and Mike was the leader of that group during that time, as well as the neighborhood association president of Branning Hills. He still serves in both of these capacities today.

The Partnership program brings together members of the neighborhoods to talk about and to solve problems facing their community. City officials are invited to help open the lines of communication between residents and local government. Mike was always articulate and knowledgeable on the issues, as well as approachable to all.

Mike is a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, and invests a great deal of time in his community in order to bring about positive change and to help build a shared vision. In addition to his grassroots neighborhood involvement, he serves on several boards and commissions for the city of Fort Wayne. He is a former president and current member of the city’s Plan Commission, serves on the Board of Zoning Appeals, and has also served as the former chairman of the Citizens Appeals Board for Neighborhood Code.

In addition to his grassroots neighborhood involvement, he's served on several boards and commissions for the city of Fort Wayne. He's a former president and current member of the city’s Plan Commission, serves on the Board of Zoning Appeals, and has also served as the former chairman of the Citizens Appeals Board for Neighborhood Code.

Tapping into his experiences with renewing neighborhoods, Mike was also asked to serve on the city’s Downtown Revitalization Taskforce, the Downtown Sports Complex Steering Committee and the Downtown Blueprint Plus Steering Committee and the City-County Comprehensive Plan (“Plan-It Allen!”). In addition, he's a member of the Community Service Counsel, which includes members from business, education, health care, public safety and neighborhood associations.

As you can see, Mike has a long history of serving the community and working with diverse groups to enact needed change in our city. He's an articulate, intelligent, team player with a history of proven results. We would be well served to have him as the next chair for our local party.