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Tom Henry

Thomas C. Henry (November 8, 1951 – March 28, 2024) was an American politician who served as the 35th mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, from January 1, 2008, until his death. A member of the Democratic Party and a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, he previously represented the city on its council and served in the United States Army, including a tour stationed in Africa, before being honorably discharged in 1973 and continuing in the Army Reserves. Henry's tenure as of Indiana's second-largest emphasized , , and improvements, though it included a notable in 2022 when he was arrested for operating a while intoxicated after admitting to consuming . He revealed a diagnosis of late-stage stomach cancer in early 2024 and passed away following a related medical emergency while in hospice care.

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Thomas Christopher Henry was born on November 8, 1951, in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the second child and second oldest of 17 siblings born to Jerome F. "Jerry" Henry and Marganelle "Marge" Applegate Henry. His birth occurred while his father pursued a master's degree in social work, after which the family relocated to Fort Wayne, where Jerry Henry worked as a social worker. The Henry family maintained deep generational ties to Fort Wayne, with roots in the area spanning over 100 years across six generations. Raised in this large household in Fort Wayne, Henry spent most of his formative years in the city, shaped by the dynamics of a sizable Catholic that emphasized and . The size and his parents' commitments in fostered an of shared responsibilities and modest means, contributing to his early to values.

Academic and early professional experiences

Henry graduated from Fort Wayne Central Catholic High School in 1970. Following high school, Henry enlisted in the and served from to as a 4 in the . He continued in the until 1977. Henry pursued higher education at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, earning a Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 1976 and a Master of Business Administration in 1981.

Business career

Insurance agency and entrepreneurial activities

Prior to entering full-time , Henry founded and operated The Gallant full-service based in , specializing in healthcare consulting. As and CEO, he led the firm, which provided brokerage and related services to healthcare providers, building it as a successful local small . Henry's entrepreneurial efforts in the sector followed his earlier as CEO of a for hospitals, transitioning his expertise in healthcare into . The Gallant Group exemplified his on niche markets, leveraging his MBA and to serve regional clients amid the competitive of the late and early . Upon assuming the mayoralty in January 2008, Henry shifted to a passive role in the company to comply with public service obligations, allowing the agency to continue operations under other management while he prioritized civic duties. This arrangement reflected his commitment to sustaining entrepreneurial ventures without direct involvement, contributing to his reputation as a business-savvy leader prior to politics.

Community involvement prior to politics

Prior to entering politics, Tom Henry built a career in healthcare administration and insurance that intersected with community needs in Fort Wayne. After graduating from in , he worked as a hospital administrator and later as CEO of a group purchasing organization serving local hospitals, roles that supported regional healthcare delivery and resource management for community institutions. He subsequently founded and led The Gallant Group, an insurance agency and healthcare consulting firm, which provided specialized services to healthcare providers and contributed to the stability of local medical infrastructure. These professional endeavors reflected his early commitment to community welfare through economic and health-related support, though specific volunteer or civic board roles prior to his 1984 city council election are not detailed in available records.

Political ascent

City Council tenure (1984–2008)

Thomas Henry was elected to the Fort Wayne as the Democratic representative for the 3rd District on , 1983, defeating incumbent Roy with a focus on serving northwest Fort Wayne residents. He assumed office in and secured re-election for four additional terms, serving a total of five terms until 2003. As one of eight Democrats on a nine-member early in his tenure, Henry participated in a body dominated by his party during a period of municipal governance emphasizing local infrastructure and community needs in a growing industrial . Henry's district representation centered on northwest Fort Wayne neighborhoods, where he advocated for constituent services amid the city's post-1982 recovery and economic stabilization efforts. His extended service—spanning two decades—reflected consistent voter in a competitive district until the 2003 election, when he was defeated by Republican challenger Tom Didier by a narrow margin, ending his council after 20 years. This loss, in a year of shifting local political dynamics, prompted Henry to pivot toward a mayoral bid four years later, though his council record emphasized steady, district-level engagement rather than high-profile citywide initiatives documented in contemporaneous reporting.

Mayoral elections and transitions (2007–2008)

Tom Henry sought the Democratic nomination for mayor of Fort Wayne in 2007 after incumbent Graham , who had served since 2000, declined to run for a third term. Henry, leveraging his two decades of experience on the city , secured the in the May 8 primary without notable opposition, positioning him as the party's standard-bearer in the general . In the general election held on November 6, 2007, Henry defeated Republican challenger Matt Kelty, an architect who had won his party's primary against Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters. The contest highlighted Fort Wayne's status as Indiana's second-largest city, with Henry's victory ensuring continued Democratic control of the mayor's office. Henry was sworn in as the 35th mayor of Fort Wayne on January 1, 2008, marking a seamless intraparty transition from Richard's administration. This continuity facilitated the retention of key policies and staff, avoiding disruptions in ongoing municipal operations such as economic development initiatives begun under Richard. During the brief transition period, Henry focused on assembling his executive team, drawing from local business and political networks to prepare for governance priorities like infrastructure and public safety. ![Tom Henry in 2008](./assets/Thomas_Henry_2008_$1

Mayoralty

Economic development and fiscal policies

During his tenure as mayor, Tom Henry prioritized fiscal sustainability by establishing advisory groups to guide long-term planning. In April 2011, he formed the Mayor's Fiscal Planning Group, comprising financial experts to analyze revenue trends, expenditure efficiencies, and strategies for maintaining reserves amid economic uncertainties. Similarly, in 2014, his administration convened a Fiscal Policy Working Group to address revenue shortfalls from state-level tax reforms, recommending structural adjustments that preserved the city's AA- bond rating and avoided deep service cuts. Henry's annual budget proposals emphasized balanced operations with targeted investments, often achieving property tax rate reductions despite rising expenditures driven by growth. For fiscal year 2023, the approved Civil City budget totaled approximately $220 million in property tax-supported funds, incorporating a 6.7% tax rate cut while allocating funds for public safety and infrastructure; however, initial proposals had contemplated a 7% levy increase to cover inflation and demands, which was moderated through council negotiations and revenue growth. The 2024 proposal, presented in September 2023, reached $235.1 million for the Civil City budget with a 4.6% tax rate reduction, supported by 21.3% income tax revenue growth and increased interest earnings, enabling $50 million in neighborhood infrastructure without net tax hikes. City Council adjustments occasionally trimmed proposals, as in October 2023 when over $1.3 million was cut from the 2024 budget, including departmental wages and insurance, to enforce discipline. On economic development, Henry pursued strategies to attract private investment through incentives, annexations, and public-private partnerships, contributing to sustained expansion. From 2012 to 2022, Fort Wayne secured over $2 billion in combined public and private investments, fueling job creation and population gains exceeding state and national averages. In 2023 alone, within city limits, initiatives supported 184 new jobs, retention of 405 positions, and $70 million in private capital, part of broader Allen County totals exceeding $770 million. Key efforts included securing $45 million in New Markets Tax Credits in November 2022 and $35 million in September 2023 for the city's Revitalization Fund, targeting downtown and blighted area redevelopment to spur commercial and residential activity. Additionally, a proposed October 2023 annexation of over 700 acres southeast of the city aimed to enable large-scale industrial and housing projects, while programs like SEED Fort Wayne offered matching grants up to $5,000 for small business reinvestments, emphasizing local entrepreneurship over heavy subsidies. These policies aligned with over $30 million annual commitments to neighborhood revitalization, blending fiscal prudence with growth-oriented infrastructure to enhance competitiveness.

Infrastructure projects and urban revitalization

During his tenure as mayor, Tom Henry prioritized infrastructure investments to address aging systems and support in . In , the city announced a $135 million allocation for , , and utilities, aimed at replacing outdated , expanding , and from . This initiative built on focuses that included neighborhood enhancements, with plans for nearly $50 million in dedicated to repairs, replacements, and improvements across residential areas. Henry also proposed using increased tax revenues for targeted projects, such as park upgrades and community center renovations, to bolster amenities without broad tax hikes. Urban revitalization efforts under Henry emphasized downtown and riverfront redevelopment to foster economic activity and housing. The Riverfront Fort Wayne project advanced significantly, with Phase IIB groundbreaking on September 20, 2023, creating public spaces, mixed-use developments, and connections between existing districts along the St. Marys River to promote housing diversity and job opportunities. In February 2024's State of the City address, Henry highlighted this as part of broader downtown momentum, including ongoing residential construction adding over 250 apartments and townhomes, with further $100 million in projects under discussion. A key example was the $27 million Cityscape Flats residential complex, where Henry led the groundbreaking for market-rate housing to attract young professionals and retain population. Legacy Fort Wayne, an initiative during Henry's administration, advanced several capital projects for public approval, integrating infrastructure with revitalization goals like trail expansions and civic spaces. In 2022, he announced $50 million for downtown developments, contributing to a transformation period that included proposals for a soccer stadium to anchor sports and entertainment districts. These efforts correlated with sustained city growth, though critics noted reliance on public funds amid fiscal debates.

Public safety, social policies, and administrative controversies

During his mayoral tenure, Henry emphasized public safety through targeted initiatives, including annual plans announced with the Fort Wayne Police and Fire Departments. These efforts focused on combating fentanyl use, gang violence, and unlawful gun possession, with 2023 measures building on prior reductions in violent and property crimes. In 2021, violent crimes decreased by 46.3% and property crimes by 6% compared to the previous year, while homicides fell 13% with an improved clearance rate. Earlier data showed homicides down 55.6% and shootings down 28.6% in early 2019, contributing to claims that Fort Wayne's violent crime rate reached its lowest level since 1988. However, homicides rose to 42 in 2021—the highest since 2019—before declining in subsequent years, amid broader Midwest trends. In response to the 2020 George Floyd protests, Henry launched the "Moving Forward Together" action plan on June 18, 2020, aimed at enhancing public safety alongside racial justice reforms, including community engagement and police training updates. Social policies under Henry were more limited in scope, with notable efforts including the creation of the Mayor's Age-Friendly Advisory Council in 2019 to address priorities in health, transportation, and housing for residents aged 50 and older. Administrative controversies included Henry's , , for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), with a of 0.152%, leading to three misdemeanor counts and a guilty . , released after legal challenges citing violations of Indiana's law, captured Henry telling arresting officers, "You all work for me," and demanding to speak to the police chief, prompting criticism over perceived entitlement. Henry apologized publicly, stating he accepted full responsibility, though the incident raised questions about its impact on his reelection, which he won in November 2023. Other disputes involved criticism of the administration's handling of Red River Waste Solutions' trash collection issues in 2021, which Henry dismissed as politically motivated by a Republican councilman, and a 2023 veto of a city council bill that would have restricted his appointment powers to boards and commissions, upheld after the council failed to override it.

Reelections and term extensions

Henry was first elected mayor in 2007, defeating Republican Matthew Kelty with 60% of the vote in the general election held on November 6. He secured reelection in 2011 against Republican challenger Paula Hughes. In 2015, Henry won a third term, defeating Republican John Crawford Harper in the general election on November 3, becoming the first Democratic mayor of Fort Wayne to achieve three consecutive victories. He followed this with a fourth term in 2019, prevailing over Republican Tim Smith on November 5 and marking the city's first instance of a four-term mayor. Henry's 2023 reelection culminated in a narrow on , defeating Councilman by ,700 votes to secure an unprecedented fifth , extending his tenure to over 16 years by . Fort Wayne's imposes no limits on the , such extended without legal or extension of , which remained fixed at four years each.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Tom Henry married Cindy Kocks on , 1975, in a that lasted 48 years until her death. The resided in , where Cindy owned and operated the , a local bar, for approximately two decades, often engaging with patrons personally. Cindy Henry, aged 67, succumbed to pancreatic cancer on January 20, 2024. The Henrys had two children: son Benjamin J. Henry and daughter Elizabeth A. Guevara. The family was also joined by four grandchildren at the time of Tom's death. Public accounts from family members, including daughter Elizabeth, highlighted Tom's role as a supportive father and the close-knit nature of the household amid his political career. No public records indicate prior marriages or additional immediate family relationships for Tom Henry.

Legal and ethical issues

In October 2022, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry was arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI) after crashing a city-owned vehicle into a utility pole on Old Mill Road following a Democratic fundraiser. Court documents indicated Henry's blood alcohol concentration was 0.152%, nearly twice Indiana's legal limit of 0.08%, and he admitted to officers that he had consumed "too many glasses of wine." He pleaded guilty on October 10, 2022, to OWI endangering a person and OWI with an alcohol concentration equivalent to 0.15% or greater, both Class A misdemeanors. On November 3, 2022, Henry received a suspended one-year jail sentence, a 180-day driver's license suspension (with 90 days credited), a $1,000 fine, court costs, and over $3,100 in restitution for vehicle damage; he was also required to complete an alcohol evaluation and any recommended treatment. Henry issued a public statement accepting full responsibility and apologizing, stating he had no excuse for his actions. The incident raised ethical concerns regarding the use of a publicly funded for while impaired and the mayor's subsequent during the , where reports noted he was , swaying, and slurring speech. In , the Fort Wayne voted 7-2 against launching an into the , with supporters arguing the had concluded and further was unnecessary. Critics, including some members, contended the decision overlooked potential issues for a operating . Compounding these issues was the City of Fort Wayne's refusal to release body camera and other arrest footage despite public records requests, which a December 6, 2022, opinion from Indiana Public Access Counselor Joseph Hodgin deemed a violation of the state's Access to Public Records Act. The city cited privacy exemptions under the law, but Hodgin ruled that such footage of public officials in official capacities warranted disclosure to promote transparency, especially given Henry's use of a government vehicle. The videos were eventually released in December 2022 after legal pressure, revealing Henry's interactions with officers, but the initial denial drew accusations of institutional opacity favoring executive protection over public oversight. No formal ethical charges were filed against Henry beyond the criminal case, and he continued in office without resignation.

Health decline and death

Cancer diagnosis and final months

On February 26, 2024, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry publicly announced his of late-stage during a at Citizens Square, stating that scans indicated the cancer had through his nodes and other organs, with a described as not favorable. He began shortly thereafter, in early March 2024, while affirming his to continue fulfilling his mayoral duties despite the illness. The diagnosis came approximately one month after the death of Henry's wife, Cindy, exacerbating the personal challenges during this period, though he maintained a public focus on his responsibilities and recovery prospects. Henry continued engaging in official activities in the weeks following the announcement, including interactions with city staff and limited public appearances, as he underwent treatment. On March 27, 2024, Henry experienced acute stomach and was privately transported to a , entering at amid complications from the cancer. He passed away the following day, , 2024, at the age of 72, surrounded by , after a brief with the disease that spanned less than two months from diagnosis to death.

Immediate aftermath and succession

Following Henry's death on March 28, 2024, at Stillwater Hospice after a medical emergency the previous day related to his stomach cancer, Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer assumed the role of acting mayor to ensure continuity of city operations. Bandemer, who had served in the position since 2008, focused on maintaining stability during the transition, including overseeing ongoing administrative duties and preparing for the selection of a permanent replacement. Under for vacancies in mayoral due to , the of the deceased mayor—here, the —conducts a to nominate a successor to serve the of the , to city or processes as applicable. On April 20, 2024, the Allen County Democratic Party held a caucus with seven candidates, selecting Sixth District City Councilwoman Sharon Tucker on the second ballot to succeed Henry. Tucker, a longtime council member since 2008, was chosen for her experience in local governance and alignment with Henry's policy priorities. Tucker was sworn in as mayor on April 23, 2024, becoming Fort Wayne's interim leader until the November 2024 general election, in which she advanced as the Democratic nominee. This process avoided a special election, adhering to state statutes that prioritize party selection for mid-term vacancies in strong-mayor systems like Fort Wayne's. Bandemer returned to his deputy role under Tucker, facilitating a seamless handover without reported disruptions to city services or projects.

Legacy

Achievements and positive evaluations

Henry's tenure as mayor of Fort Wayne, spanning five terms from 2008 until his death in 2024, marked him as the city's longest-serving mayor, with his reelection to a historic fifth term on November 7, 2023. His administration prioritized economic development, utilizing proceeds from the sale of the city's electric utility to establish the Legacy Fund, which financed key projects including the revitalization of The Landing, construction of the Skyline garage and The Clyde Theatre, development of Promenade Park, and expansion of the Fort Wayne Trails network. Downtown revitalization efforts under Henry included the completion of Harrison Square, Ash Skyline Plaza, and the Riverfront at Promenade Park, alongside the Dr. Martin Luther King Bridge and Veteran's Memorial Bridge, contributing to business growth and cultural vibrancy. In environmental stewardship, Henry's earned the the for from the of Agencies in 2015, 2019, and 2024, recognizing initiatives such as expanded methane from , conversion of restaurant grease into , of panels for a at water and sewer , and the 2023 Sustaining Fort Wayne and . The Long-Term Control Plan to protect local rivers and the three-year Clean Drains Fort Wayne program, which involved residents in cleaning and marking over 8,000 storm drains and painting 100 murals, further highlighted these efforts. Public safety received emphasis through support for the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority, while broader accomplishments encompassed neighborhood infrastructure upgrades, job creation, business expansions, enhancements to the park system, and the opening of the Pontiac Street Market via public-private partnership. Positive evaluations of Henry's record portray Fort Wayne as having emerged as a "beacon of economic development and cultural vibrancy in the Midwest" under his guidance, with his administration's resilience and collaborative approach fostering a talented team that delivered lasting community amenities expected to benefit generations. Former Mayor Paul Helmke credited Henry with major roles in riverfront development and downtown revitalization, strengthening neighborhoods. Described as "the people’s mayor" for his personal engagement, including officiating weddings and community involvement, Henry's legacy includes facilitating the largest single-family housing development in southeast Fort Wayne in nearly 50 years and allocating $50.8 million in federal pandemic relief for infrastructure, health services, tourism, and small businesses.

Criticisms and alternative perspectives

Critics of Henry’s mayoral have pointed to his operating while intoxicated (OWI) as emblematic of perceived and lack of in . On , , Henry crashed a city-owned into another after attending a fundraiser where he admitted to consuming "too many of wine," resulting in charges of OWI and admitting to having struck another . Body camera footage released in December captured Henry telling arresting officers, "You all work for me," and demanding to speak to the police chief while appearing to threaten their jobs, prompting accusations from Republican council members like Geoff Paddock that the incident revealed abuse of power. The city's initial refusal to release the footage violated Indiana's public records law, further fueling claims of a cover-up, though Henry received a suspended sentence, fines exceeding $3,000, and probation in November . Alternative perspectives highlight shortcomings in public safety and administrative decisions under Henry's tenure. Despite Henry's repeated assertions that overall crime rates had declined—citing a 5% drop in 2017 and violent crime reductions in certain years—critics noted persistent rises in homicides and shootings, with violent crime increasing 17% from 2007 to 2019 according to local radio analysis, and gun violence remaining steady post-pandemic while dropping in comparable Midwest cities. His administration faced backlash for a heavy-handed police response to George Floyd protests in 2020, which some viewed as prioritizing order over reform amid national scrutiny. On administrative fronts, the 2021 contract with Red River Waste Solutions drew sustained criticism for chronic delays in trash collection and inadequate service, with Henry dismissing much of the outcry as politically motivated by a single Republican councilman rather than addressing systemic issues. Economic development initiatives also elicited debate, with detractors arguing that high-profile setbacks undermined long-term growth claims. The 2020 termination of the economic development agreement for the Electric Works project at the former General Electric campus—sparking lawsuits from developer RTM Ventures—led to accusations that city negotiators, under Henry's oversight, mishandled talks and eroded trust for future private investments. Similarly, a 2021 proposal offering city employees $200 for disclosing vaccination status against COVID-19 was condemned by five council members as an intrusive incentive bordering on coercion, reflecting broader concerns over policy overreach during the pandemic. These episodes, per opponents like Republican councilors, contrasted with Henry's narrative of transformative progress, suggesting a legacy marred by reactive governance rather than proactive innovation.

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