Crowded ballot awaits voters in primary News-Sentinel photo by Brian Tombaugh Choices, choices Campaign signs decorate the intersection of North Anthony Boulevard and Crescent Avenue. With 43 people running for 22 places in the general election, there is no shortage of choices for voters in next week's City Council and mayoral primaries. The candidates in this year's races span an astonishing range of experience, from Republican Don Schmidt, who's represented the city's 2nd District for a generation, to candidates in their 20s, delving into political campaigning for the first time. The race includes a few unemployed men, as well as corporate executives, preachers, teachers, real-estate agents and lawyers. At least two candidates have lived in group homes or homeless shelters during the campaign.
Some candidates are most notable for their low profiles in the campaign.
There are a few who are harder to find than a painless root canal operation. Consider David Hall, a Republican running for council in the city's 5th District. One reporter did meet Hall's mother, who said she hasn't discussed his campaign with him. His campaign signs have shown up in a couple of yards, but he himself has never appeared in any public forum. Democratic candidate Michael Bermingham, who's running for an at-large council seat, has no telephone listed under his name in Fort Wayne.