Henry upset with no casino referendum

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry says he is very disappointed a casino referendum didn't come out of the special session at the Indiana Statehouse.

The city has spent a year and almost $40 thousand on it's effort to bring a referendum to Fort Wayne. Despite the effort failing for the time being, the mayor today said he still thought that time and money was well spent. He added he was very certain the issue would come up again.

When asked why he thought the city's lobbying and research efforts didn't pay off, Henry said he thought the legislature simply had too much on it's plate. He defended the city's efforts, offering the feedback he's gotten on the issue as proof it was an important one to people living in the Summit City.

"Whatever the future might hold on the issue of gaming, let me make one thing clear," said Henry. "I want the people of Fort Wayne to be able to make their own decision concerning this matter."

Henry said he'll now reassess the referendum issue with his staff to decide if and how they'll proceed.

Another disappointment for Henry is the failure of legislation brought into the statehouse by State Representative Win Moses. It's a failure that Henry says could cost the taxpayers millions.

The legislation would've clarified the city's ownership of it's municipal electric utility, something that has come into question during failed negotiations with Indiana-Michigan Power. I & M has leased the utility since 1974, making considerable upgrades to city equipment. Now Henry says ownership clarification might have to come out of a courtroom which would force him to dig deep into taxpayer money.

"I really hope Indiana-Michigan will come back to the table and talk to us," said Henry. "Our electric utility is a very valuable asset to our city. The ability to serve it's customers is a privilege, not a right." Henry said previously I & M was not willing to pay what Henry thought that privilege was worth.

Fort Wayne did have successes at the statehouse this session. An appropriation was included in the state budget for the Public Safety Academy. That money will help pay for the building there.

The state legislature also cleared up issues about bridge maintenance in our area, confirming it is the county's responsibility to make repairs to bridges countywide.