On the Summit’s Horizon: Mayor Sharon Tucker’s Reflection on the First 100 Days in Office
By Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer
Saturday, April 20, 2024, is a day that will go down in history in the Summit City. Fort Wayne elected Sharon Tucker as its first African American mayor and second female. Moreover, Tucker’s election also made Hoosier History with eight African American mayors currently serving across the state, four of which are women.
Ninety-Two Democratic precinct chairs elected Tucker after two rounds of voting. There were six other candidates who ran to fill Mayor Thomas Henry’s seat after his untimely death on March 28, 2024. Tucker will serve the remainder of the late Henry’s term which ends December 31, 2027. She is the 37th Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
As Tucker reflects on her first 100 days in office, she acknowledges the many lessons learned about herself and the role of government. “It is hard for me to ask for help but I have learned to accept the support of the staff team surrounding and supporting me with schedules and day-to-day work. It was challenging but it’s getting easier, I was used to managing my calendar myself. I am blessed to have many people who contribute to the success of making the mayor a commodity.”
Tucker personally quotes, “expectations are the mother of all disappointments. Tucker adds that citizens have different expectations of city government. Hence, education in this regard is essential. Tucker quotes, Hosea 4:6, “My people perish for the lack of knowledge”.
“Our Mayor, Sharon Tucker had very busy “days” of learning…..adding to what she already knew, to say she hit the ground running is an understatement. She has been thrown in unfamiliar situations but mastered them like a champion. She has been very transparent and open to the citizens of Fort Wayne. She will continue to meet the challenges head-on and be the mayor to all of Fort Wayne. I am proud to call her my Mayor, Sharon Tucker, said Delois “Dee” McKinley-Eldridge, host of the Gospel Flight, WBOI 89.1 FM, community activist/organizer and case manager at Study Elementary, Fort Wayne Community Schools.
Tucker shared that she is inspired by children. She recently attended a Book Bag Giveaway and a young woman introduced Tucker to her two young children as the Mayor. The woman’s daughter shook her hand, but her son asked, “are you really the mayor?” “ I responded by saying yes and he gave me the biggest hug.” Tucker adds that children are brutally honest and do not always trust easily. “This young child was comfortable enough to hug me which reminds me of why I do what I do.”
Prior to her election Tucker served as the executive director of Vincent Village, Inc. which is an organization that assists homeless families with children in gaining permanent housing and self-sufficiency. (www.vincentvillage.org) Vincent Village is the only transitional homeless shelter for families in Allen County. Her public service experience includes serving as the Fort Wayne’s 6th District Councilwoman, 2020-2024. Prior to that role, Tucker was elected as the 1st District Councilwoman on the Allen County Council in 2014 and re-elected to a second term in 2018.
When asked about advice for future politicians…………..
“Politics is a strategic gain just like sports such as basketball. If I had to advise someone interested in politics, I would remind them to get into it for the right reasons. The opposite leads to the national gridlock that we currently have. One must be willing to work across the aisle and make hard decisions, read the paperwork and make financial sacrifices. In my opinion, you need to have the right spiritual backing.
“Not all decisions will be popular. Be willing to make the hard decisions and take the heat from those choices.”
“Tucker makes decisions based on fact-finding and data. Once I have all the information I seek discernment in my private corner. I think about all aspects of a decision. What is going to be the ying for that yang?”
“I have had to deal with some very serious challenges in the first 100 days which includes three-officer-involved shootings, potentially closing an apartment building with fire safety challenges. Do we displace 68 units of people? I have also had to look at budget tightening because we will be dealing with less tax income. I know that I need my Republican counterparts to make good government happen. Working across the aisle matters.”
“Mayor Tucker, your first 100 days in office have been marked by significant initiatives and robust community engagement. Your experience and leadership have clearly demonstrated that you are the right person for this position. We are eager to learn more about your specific plans and ongoing commitment to support and uplift the Hispanic and diverse communities in Fort Wayne. We look forward to meeting you and hearing your insights,” said Palermo Galindo, community advocate and board member of the Greater Fort Wayne Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Galindo was one of the six candidates who ran for the mayoral seat when Tucker was elected.
Tucker has been involved in many community organizations. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Eta Upsilon Zeta Chapter. AVOW (Advancing Voices of Women) and the NAACP. Tucker has also volunteered on the board of directors for the Allen County Public Library, Alliance Health Clinic, and SEED. In 2021, Tucker founded and launched Project Activate SouthEast Fort Wayne (P.A.S.E.). P.A.S.E. is an entrepreneurial training and pitch competition designed to help entrepreneurs start their businesses and spur economic development in southeast Fort Wayne. (Mayor's Office - City of Fort Wayne)
When asked what advice would you give to your 16-year-old self, Mayor Tucker replied:
“I would encourage her to not worry about the exterior but accept the core. Do not compare yourself to others. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Perhaps it wouldn’t have taken me so long to find my voice. Hence, life started over for me at 40. I realized that there is value in what I am saying.”
In my humble opinion, I think Mayor Tucker has done an awesome job! Mayor Tucker has already demonstrated that she can make the tough calls. Having to deal with many different situations in the first 100 days, from police-involved shootings to deciding how to deal with some community-oriented programming. While those decisions are always difficult, she seems to be willing to make the hard call, while always having the community interest in mind. I appreciate her positive energy and welcoming approach to all of our community citizens. She has set a great tone for the city and provides many with a positive outlook for the future of our community,” said Joe Jordan, President and CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Fort Wayne.
When asked how you would guide a conversation over lunch with each Presidential Candidate? What would you cook if you hosted them in your home? “I would ask about the core of them and what was the most impressive meeting they have ever experienced. How do you deal with the weight of the role? He/she doesn’t get the chance to take off the cloak of the President. If I had to cook, it would be something simple like pasta. I have a specialty with bowtie pasta with shrimp and chicken in alfredo sauce and a little bit of spaghetti sauce to add color and flavor with a bit of cheese. The authentic self is who we need to be in the room.”
How do you take a break from demands of being Mayor Sharon Tucker?
I typically take Sundays to decompress. I enjoy crafting and have a craft room in my house. I talk to the Lord and drink my coffee with no noise, no radio, no television and receive direction for the day. The direction may lead me to church. I also enjoy cutting grass on the riding lawn mower with my headphones. My husband prepares breakfast and will join me in my craft room. We decide how we will spend the day together which includes plans with my daughter.”
My family……..
My husband is my biggest cheerleader. He is the exact opposite of me. I am loud, he is quiet. I like to be places, he does not. He experiences it when I bring work home. Unfortunately, in public service you make sacrifices that people are not aware of. For example, he cannot respond if someone speaks against me. It is a husband’s nature to defend his wife. That is a burden we put on our family members when we decide to get involved in politics, Tucker said.
Tucker’s leadership style…………..
I like to be a safe space for my team to share the good and the bad. Give it all to me. I don’t like surprises. Being clear is kind and setting the right expectations is beneficial. Don’t bring me something to just sign but bring me why we are signing.
The mayoral team……………………..
Be open to correction and do the same for me. We have a great team with ethics. I really want to hear the truth. No relationship has gone without being tested. Always seeking to attain a synergy beyond disagreement.
“She has shown passion, grit and honesty in the job. Her willingness to get to the bottom of an issue and proceed with the best decision once it is evaluated is remarkable, said John Dortch, Founder/CEO of Preston Joan Group, Inc. and Founder/Publisher of Fort Wayne Ink Spot.