Kurt Gutman announced yesterday he is seeking the Republican nomination for the Fort Wayne City Council’s 2nd District seat currently held by Democrat Karen Goldner.
Gutman will face Jerome Gaines and possibly Russell Jehl who has yet to officially declare. Â Jehl has filed a, “Candidate’s Statement of Organization and Designation of Principal Committee or Exploratory Committee” or CFA-1, with the Allen County Election Board, but not made an official statement as to whether or not he will run in the May Primary. Â Don Bobay, another Republican candidate who had announced intentions for the seat, reportedly has dropped out of the race.
Video of Gutman’s announcement as well as the text of a released written statement follow.
httpsv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiHf8kfwAuc
Text of his written statement:
(January 13, 2011) – “I’m honored and humbled to have your friendship and support as 1 officially declare myself a candidate for Fort Wayne City Council in the 2nd District,” announced Kurt A. Gutman, a Fort Wayne native. Gutman stated he is running for the the seat because he believes the 2nd District is missing a conservative voice at the council table.
“I want to be a participant in the discussions that lead to action. Top notch higher education opportunities and a strong, vibrant, growing health care system exist here now. Building on these resources would become a strong foundation for even greater economic growth for our city.” Gutman, a Republican, stated.
“I grew up in Fort Wayne and chose to remain here to raise my family. 1 have pride in my community. The direction the City takes requires the elected officials to listen carefully to the community and make sound financial investments for the future. 1 believe with my willingness to listen, financial experience, education and my experience as a neighborhood president 1 can bring to the City Council public concerns from the 2nd District in a way that will help strengthen the neighborhoods and businesses in the District,” Gutman said.
“I believe I have the expertise to take good ideas and make them better. Voters in the 2nd District are eager for a conservative voice,” Gutman emphasized.
Gutman is employed as a fmancial consultant with Compass Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisory firm with offices throughout Northern Indiana. He is married to Carrie Hawk Gutman a local attorney. They have three children.
He is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and serves as its Financial Secretary. He is a member of the Allen County Redevelopment Commission. Gutman is the current President of Pine Valley Community Association. He serves on the Executive Committee of the American Red Cross Blood Services Board. Gutman is the committeeman for precinct 286.
Gutman is a graduate of Concordia Lutheran High School. He attended IPFW. His degree is from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs with a concentration in criminal justice. Gutman also has his Chartered Wealth Advisor designation from Michigan State University.
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