Councilman Jeff Paddock elected Fort Wayne Common Council president after Russell Yale resigns leadership role

Russell Yale, the second district representative, announced at the end of the Nov. 18 committee session that he would resign the leadership role of president of the Fort Wayne Common Council, citing his full-time job travel schedule that will keep him from presiding at several upcoming meetings. Yale said he would continue to serve as the 2nd District representative and recommended Councilman Jeff Paddock to oversee council business for the next two months and that Vice President Marty Bender ascend to the presidency at the beginning of next year.

The council reconvened in a special regular session that evening to consider Yale’s resignation and to elect a successor. Clerk Lana Kiesling read Yale’s written resignation. Yale then nominated Councilman Jeff Paddock to serve as president for the remainder of 2025; the nomination was seconded and, after nominations were closed, the council took a roll-call vote. Council members Bender, Booker, Chambers, Inslee, Freistroffer, Hartman, Yale and Paddock each voted yes, and the clerk announced the vote was 8-0 in favor. Paddock accepted the position and spoke briefly, thanking colleagues and pledging to conduct council business professionally during the remainder of the year.

The special session adjourned with the council scheduled to meet next on Nov. 25 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.