Fort Wayne cannot be satisfied with previous accomplishments, Mayor Tom Henry said Tuesday, as he formally announced his 2019 re-election campaign – becoming the third candidate to enter the race since candidate filings opened this month.

If elected, it will be Henry's fourth term. He was first elected mayor in 2008. In addition to Henry, four other candidates filed paperwork with the Allen County Election Board on Tuesday, including one incumbent City Council member.

“I sincerely believe that our city is moving in the right direction,” Henry said. “For the last several years, we have tried as a city to make sure that our voice was heard throughout the state of Indiana and throughout this country.”

Speaking to a crowd at the Allen County Democratic Party headquarters Tuesday, Henry said he plans to focus on public safety, neighborhood improvements, stewardship of public money and continuing Fort Wayne's economic growth.

“I think the fact that we've been maintaining a 3.5 percent unemployment rate speaks volumes for our community,” Henry said. “Employers not only want to invest in our community, they want to stay in our community and grow in our community.”

Henry said the initiatives that have been planned for 2019 and beyond will help make Fort Wayne “shine as a beacon in northeast Indiana.”

“We can't stop and be satisfied with what we've accomplished,” Henry said. “It's simply not an option.

“By working together we can make Fort Wayne the best it can be. And while brick-and-mortar projects may be essential to our economic development, it is our citizens and neighborhoods that make this community a great place to call home.”

The first Democrat to announce plans to run for Fort Wayne City Council at large also filed paperwork with the election board.

Michelle Chambers, who was the first black woman to run the Fort Wayne city clerk's office, said she's excited to run for office again. Chambers unsuccessfully ran for City Council in 2015. She was appointed clerk the same year following the retirement of former City Clerk Sandy Kennedy.

“I'm looking to create the inclusiveness that we need on the City Council, that diversity in thought,” Chambers said. “I'm tired of the stalemates. I'm looking forward to working across party lines and doing good for the constituents –not our personal beliefs, not what we think is right – but what is best for the city.”

Chambers said it's crucial to have a strong City Council moving into the next four years.

“We're going to have some shifts economically, but we're in the height of growth,” she said. “We have to be very strategic about our next moves in the next four years.”

City Councilman Paul Ensley, R-1st, also officially began his re-election campaign Tuesday. Ensley is currently finishing his freshman term on City Council.

“I am honored to seek a second term representing the conservative values of the people of northeast Fort Wayne,” Ensley said in a statement. “It will continue to fight for smaller government, lower taxes and the protection of our Legacy Fund.”

Others who filed campaign paperwork this week:

• Katie Zuber, Democrat: Fort Wayne city clerk

• Darryl Esterline, Democrat: Fort Wayne City Council, District 1

dgong@jg.net