May 24, 2019 •
Fort Wayne Pay to Play Ordinance Challenged in Court
Allen Superior Court Judge Jennifer DeGroote heard arguments on Wednesday in a case focused on a 2018 Fort Wayne City Council ordinance.
The ordinance limits financial contributions of contractors and their family members to political campaigns in Fort Wayne.
The measure prohibits business entities from bidding on city contracts if any officer, partner, or principal with more than 10% ownership has donated more than $2,000 to a campaign of someone with ultimate responsibility for awarding city contracts.
Kyle and Kimberly Suzanne Witwer filed the suit in April challenging the ordinance and requesting a judge block it’s implementation.
While no ruling was made on Wednesday, both sides must submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law by Friday.
There could be a potential ruling next week.
The main issue being considered at this time is whether state contribution laws make this ordinance unnecessary.
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