Today, the Allen County Democratic Party reiterated its call for Keesling’s resignation, as it has become clear she is giving part-time service while taking a full-time salary.
Allen County Democratic Party news email:
Allen County Democrats Reiterate Call On Keesling To Resign Immediately
Fort Wayne, Indiana (November 3, 2025) – Last week, the Allen County Democratic Party called on Fort Wayne City Clerk Lana Keesling to resign immediately over clear conflicts of interest over receiving a taxpayer-funded salary while travelling the state as the chairwoman of the Indiana Republican Party. Today, the party reiterates this call for Keesling’s resignation, as it has become clear she is giving part-time service while taking a full-time salary.
Attendance
Part-time City Clerk Keesling has missed 10 of the 31 Fort Wayne City Council meetings that have taken place since her appointment to Republican chair in February. Many of the absences are directly linked to her second job:
- March 11th: In Marion County for Lawrence Township GOP Club event.
- March 18th: In Hendricks County for party event.
- April 22nd: In St. Joseph County for Dyngus Day and Whitley County for an event.
- June 10th: In Elkhart County with Kentucky Senator Rand Paul the previous night, also attended Carroll County GOP dinner that night.
- July 15th: In Vanderburgh County (Evansville) for party dinner the previous night.
Budget Increase
Despite $8.5 million in city budget cuts, and Keesling’s apparent part-time work schedule, the city clerk’s office is set to receive the second highest budget increase of any city office from the general fund. According to the 2026 budget passed last week, the city clerk’s office is set to receive an increase of over 6% while other departments were cut 15% or more. While Keesling is taking advantage of part-time work for a full-time salary, her office is also seeing a boon during times of drastic cuts.
“Fort Wayne taxpayers deserve a full-time clerk whose attention is focused entirely on the city,” said ACDP Chairman Chad Wierzbinski. “Unfortunately, Lana Keesling has proven herself a part-time representative by attending dinners and parties in her capacity as GOP Chairwoman on nights when her attendance is required at Fort Wayne City Council meetings. Our taxpayers deserve accountability, and she should step down immediately.”
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