FORT WAYNE (WOWO) – As Fort Wayne’s City Council reorganizes for 2026, longtime councilman Marty Bender has been elected council president, stepping into a role that has seen significant change over the past year. Near the end of 2025, longtime Council President Russ Diel stepped down due to sch eduling conflicts, creating a temporary leadership gap. Councilman Jeff Paddock served as interim president through the end of the year. Now, Bender’s peers have chosen him to guide the council into the new year. “Thank you very much, Kayla,” Bender told Fort Wayne’s Morning News with Kayla Blakeslee on WOWO. “In a matter of months, we’ve gone from Russ Diel stepping down to Jeff Paddock serving, and now this year, I’ve been elected. But this isn’t my first time at the helm. I was elected council president back in 2010, 2014, and now again. We’ve got some experience this time, and I think we’ll be able to navigate the year quite well.” Bender, who served 49 years on the Fort Wayne Police Department before retiring and has been a city councilman for roughly 14 years, said his leadership style emphasizes efficiency and cooperation. “I like to run a meeting that is less contentious and as fast and efficient as possible so we can get things done,” Bender said. “Hopefully, that will carry through this year, too.” On the council’s priorities for 2026, Bender highlighted ongoing concerns about Senate Bill One, a state law change that has significantly impacted cities across Indiana. “All the cities in the state of Indiana got hit exceptionally hard by the change in state law,” Bender explained. “It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but we need to rethink how city government operates, learn to live within our means, and increase efficiency. We also need to work well with the mayor’s office and with Allen County government, looking at services like the ambulance authority and communications department. Maybe by combining services, we can save money for both sides.” Bender also praised his working relationship with Mayor Sharon Tucker. “We had a very lengthy discussion this last Tuesday afternoon. She’s very open to some different ideas that we are possibly going to be pushing. I don’t see too much of an issue with working with her. She’s been very kind and open to helping us in any way we can.” With recent leadership changes in the Fort Wayne Police Department, Bender’s law enforcement background gives him a unique perspective on the new chief. “I’ve worked with both men for basically their entire careers. I know Paul Smith exceptionally well—he worked for me for a long period of time. He’s very kind, open to doing things in different ways, and respects his officers. I think he’ll do a good job for them as well as the community. He’s well liked in neighborhood associations, and everybody knows PJ,” Bender said. Bender also shared a bit of his history in Fort Wayne’s radio world. He recalled his early work with WME and WQHK, where he handled traffic reports for Charlie and Tony and was involved with many local events, from the Three Rivers Festival raft race to parades and contests. “I ended up working there for 20 years doing traffic reports,” he said. “It was a great experience and helped me meet a lot of people in the community.” As Bender begins his term as council president, he brings decades of experience in law enforcement, city government, and community involvement, promising a steady hand at the council’s helm in 2026. “I’ve been around the city government for over 50 years. This is my third term as council president, and I’ve been on city council roughly 14 years,” Bender said. “I’ve been around the block a few times, and I look forward to getting things done for the citizens of Fort Wayne this year.” The post WOWO Exclusive – Fort Wayne Council President Marty Bender appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less