A Republican Fort Wayne City Council member reached across the political aisle when determining who would serve as president the rest of the year.

Councilman Russ Jehl, R-2nd, resigned from council’s top leadership role Tuesday and nominated Councilman Geoff Paddock, D-5th, to serve as president. Jehl said he is unable to run some meetings, a top duty of the president’s, because of work-related travel.

Jehl and Paddock are currently the longest-standing members on council.

“Geoff and I started on council together 14 years ago, and he is the right person, with the right experience, at the right time to finish out the year and lead the Fort Wayne City Council,” Jehl said. “Geoff is a statesman and unifier.”

The nomination was approved unanimously. Councilman Scott Myers, R-4th, was absen

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