Big Man on Campus ...

Last night, Mayor Tom Henry sat down with the leadership of the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana.

Who are the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana? Simply put, your future - Fort Wayne - the people who plan to take Fort Wayne by storm either in business, social services, volunteerism, politically and synergy of collaboration. An all volunteer group that can tout over 1,000 interested and informed young adults normally between the age of 20-40. [This reads, Carbo will out of the club in about a month]

I serve in the capacity of secretary to the board of directors. A role that gives me great 10,000 miles above the organization view. I have to say that this has to be one of the most exciting volunteer roles I have had in my twenty years of volunteering. Okay, back to the Mayor.

The Mayor gave up his time to share ways in which the average, everyday young leader can get involved to make a difference. He shared that many boards, committees and task forces need fresh ideas, fresh blood, new hands and hearts to get in and make a difference. He shared the road map on how to get onto those appointed roles.

He spoke of the future of our rivers, how the tax structure will effect home owners, the Harrison Square project but more importantly the growth and interest in downtown Fort Wayne. Of course we spoke about the death rampage that seems to be on the media's mind - we are not Gary, but if you read the paper you may think you just slipped off into the ghetto. I am not keen on drug dealers and drug users, so my thought is this is the perfect way to clean up our city - have at it - gun each other down. Have a block party or something and just execute each of your drug infested damaged souls. (The Mayor never said anything of the sort, this is me ranting)

Truth be told, Tom Henry was the right choice for Mayor. I could only have imagined what his November competitor may have spoke to us about if the vote came out any different -- hmm, lets see - how important the architecture to the Arby's downtown that was freshly painted.. hmm, that his myspace account has more than 8,000 kids under the age of 17 ... hmm, that he needs a bit of money to help with his legal fees so he won't have to sell his modest home, living his modest lifestyle. Oh, how thankful I am for Tom Henry and YLNI.

Check out Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana on the web at www.ylni.org.