County

County Council Member, Allen County

District 1

Vote for: 1
Term: 4 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The county council is Allen County's fiscal body: it adopts the budget, sets tax rates and approves spending.

Candidates Compare by issue

Mike Clendenen

Republican

Retired parks department employee

The gist

Pledges to protect safety and health funding amid tax cuts
Supports exploring fair revenue options to fund county services
Supports investing in roads, broadband and workforce development
Supports expanding access to parks and community resources

More about Mike

View sources (1)

Pledges to protect safety and health funding amid tax cuts
3 candidates campaigning for Allen County Council 1st District seat
Candidate questionnaire · The Journal Gazette · Apr 3, 2026 · journalgazette.net
“Allen County Council must respond by protecting investments in public safety, public health, infrastructure, and community programs that residents depend on every day.”
Supports exploring fair revenue options to fund county services
3 candidates campaigning for Allen County Council 1st District seat
Candidate questionnaire · The Journal Gazette · Apr 3, 2026 · journalgazette.net
“Responsible solutions include thoughtful budgeting, greater transparency, and exploring fair revenue options that ensure the cost of services is shared equitably.”
Supports investing in roads, broadband and workforce development
3 candidates campaigning for Allen County Council 1st District seat
Candidate questionnaire · The Journal Gazette · Apr 3, 2026 · journalgazette.net
“This includes investing in roads, broadband access, and workforce development to strengthen the county’s competitiveness.”
Supports expanding access to parks and community resources
3 candidates campaigning for Allen County Council 1st District seat
Candidate questionnaire · The Journal Gazette · Apr 3, 2026 · journalgazette.net
“This means supporting public safety, expanding access to parks and community resources, and encouraging initiatives that improve public health”

Melissa Fisher

Democratic

Associate pastor; co-founder, New Wave Wellness

The gist

Pledges responsible investment of county tax dollars
Supports bipartisan partnerships and balanced representation on the council
Supports expanded access to mental health care

More about Melissa

View sources (1)

Pledges responsible investment of county tax dollars
Forward with Fisher | Melissa Fisher for Allen County Council
Campaign website · Forward with Fisher · forwardwithfisher.com
“She will focus on investing in projects and services that strengthen our community, improve quality of life, and ensure county resources are used responsibly”
Supports bipartisan partnerships and balanced representation on the council
Forward with Fisher | Melissa Fisher for Allen County Council
Campaign website · Forward with Fisher · forwardwithfisher.com
“Melissa believes strong leadership comes from listening to residents, building bi-partisan partnerships, and focusing on practical, common sense solutions.”
Supports expanded access to mental health care
Forward with Fisher | Melissa Fisher for Allen County Council
Campaign website · Forward with Fisher · forwardwithfisher.com
“Melissa understands the need for expanded access for mental healthcare in Allen County.”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 5 issues covered in this race.