How local Republicans feel about Mayor Sharon Tucker
The Democratic caucus winner is well-respected by many in the Allen County GOP
The receiving line to meet Sharon Tucker following her swearing-in ceremony yesterday was still going strong more than an hour after most of the crowd had left the Clyde Theatre.
After officially becoming the first Black female mayor of Fort Wayne, Tucker politely received kudos and posed for photos with friends, family, and supporters well into the early afternoon.
As the well-wishers finally started to dwindle, Ron Turpin, a Republican candidate for Allen County Commissioner in the upcoming May 7 primary, approached Tucker to congratulate her. The two then shared a strong embrace.
“Sharon is a longtime friend,” Turpin later told me. “I’ve gotten to know her really well and I’m excited about what she can do for the citizens of Fort Wayne.”
He is one of many Republicans who has a good relationship with the new mayor. Over Tucker’s nearly ten years in city and county government, the Democrat has earned high marks from several colleagues on the other side of the aisle.
Turpin said Tucker was on the Allen County Council when their paths first crossed. “She works and collaborates well with both Democrats and Republicans. I think that’s important as we try to move Allen County forward.”
Tucker looks for ways to collaborate with others and is focused on getting things done, he told me. “She wants to make life better for the citizens she represents.”
Turpin also noted that he appreciates Tucker’s willingness to take a stand when its needed. “She’s no pushover,” he said. “She’s strong in her convictions. I like that.”
Turpin’s primary opponent Tom Harris is also a fan. In an interview Monday with WOWO host Kayla Blakeslee, Harris said he was pleased that she won last weekend’s Democratic caucus to replace the late Tom Henry.
“She and I sat side-by-side [from 2014 to 2019 on County Council] and I got to know her a little bit through that process,” Harris told her.
Although Tucker was the only Democrat on the Allen County Council during her tenure, Harris said she maintained a good working relationship with all six of her Republican colleagues.
“We worked well together,” he said.
He said Tucker was especially proactive when it came to economic development, one of the key areas where the two saw eye-to-eye.
“We wanted to continue to grow Allen County and I know when she got to City Council, she was trying to do the same for the city.”
Mitch Harper is another Republican who said he has a high level of respect for the new mayor of Fort Wayne.
A former City Councilman, Harper currently serves as the Allen County Council attorney and has worked with Tucker several times on various projects over the years. He’s been most impressed with her integrity during their interactions.
“If she tells you something, it can be counted on,” he said.
“Boy is that rare in politics.”