This afternoon, Tom Freistroffer announced his candidacy for the Fort Wayne City Council At-Large race.
Freistroffer did run for an At-Large seat in 1999 and 2003 and placed 4th both times. Â In attendance at his announcement today were Fort Wayne City Councilmen Tom Smith (R-1st) and Tom Didier (R-3rd). Â Freistroffer was introduced by former City Councilman Sam Talarico, Jr. Â Photos and video will be posted later this afternoon/evening.
Here is a statement from his campaign:
Local businessman Tom Freistroffer declares Republican candidacy for Fort Wayne City Council At-Large
Local businessman Tom Freistroffer declared this afternoon his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Fort Wayne City Council-at-Large. This announcement was made at the Allen County Republican Party Headquarters, located at 135 W. Main Street in Fort Wayne.
Tom Freistroffer is the owner of Freistroffer Appraisal Service in Fort Wayne, and is a member of the National Association of Realtors and UPSTAR – the Upstate Alliance of Realtors (formerly, the Fort Wayne Area Association of Realtors). His experiences as a small business owner and realtor provide him with a strong insight into the economic situation facinq the citizens of Fort Wayne.
“I am very familiar with the housing market in Fort Wayne. A strong market makes for strong neighborhoods, which are the crown jewels of our city. As Councilman, I work with the government and the community to strengthen those neighbors and inner city areas hit so hard by the recent economy,” said Freistroffer.
The experience he plans to bring to the City Council includes not only business, but also education. “As a former educator, I want to assure that the needs to children in Fort Wayne are addressed, and that parents know their local government cares.”
The Freistroffer family has lived in the Fort Wayne area for over a century. Tom grew up in the Fort Wayne area, and, aside from attending college and tenures teaching in Chicago and Kalamazoo, has lived here his entire life. “My grandfather’s blacksmith shop was located on the
Freistroffer block of downtown Fort Wayne, and my brothers John and Hank Freistroffer own Columbia Street. The success of Fort Wayne is a personal concern of mine,” he said.Freistroffer received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, and his master’s degree in Education from Indiana University. Tom has taught in Fort Wayne Community Schools and Southwest Allen County Schools.
Tom Freistroffer and his wife Elizabeth have four children: Ben, Erin, Emily, and Thomas. He is a member of the congregation at St. Jude Catholic Church.