Press release from President Mitch Harper on behalf of the Fort Wayne City Council:
Statement on behalf of the Fort Wayne City Council on the passing of Paul ‘Mike’ Burns
Former Mayor and former Fort Wayne City Council Member Paul Mike Burns passed away on Friday, January 7th, 2011, in the city he so long served.
As President of the City Council, I extend the sympathies of our nine members to his family and friends.
Paul Mike Burns served as a member of the Fort Wayne City Council from 1948 to 1952 and then continuously from 1972 to 1992. The span of his municipal public service on behalf of the citizens is perhaps unequaled in the history of Fort Wayne.
His service in each of six decades stands as a remarkable lifetime achievement and as a sure measure of the confidence placed in him by his fellow citizens.
Paul Mike Burns served as a fiscal watchdog during his entire service as a city council member and as mayor. His style was dogged, assertive and no-nonsense and it was uniquely his own.
He was a true son of Fort Wayne and never forgot his roots.
Paul Mike Burns was blessed by a remarkably long-life. Yet, his passing on Friday reminds all of us that however long one’s years, all things are temporal. Yet his legacy of service will live on past him and continue to enrich the civic life of Fort Wayne.
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What an interesting and idea filled guy. Paul Mike. He chewed on me more than once, and then the fellow standing next to me. He always had something to say and to someone with open ears his insights were remarkable.
Although I never met him in person, Jim, I would have to agree with your assessment. I base this on articles I’ve read of Council meetings and from the time he was Mayor. Condolences to the family.