Tyler and his team in Muncie

By Rick Yencer

MUNCIE, IN - Mayor-elect Dennis Tyler named a new team of leaders for Muncie City Hall on Saturday that represent leadership, experience and possibilities.

"They are eight great appointments that will help move the community forward," said Tyler, currently state representative. Tyler made the announcement during a gathering at local Democratic Party headquarters with about 75 people, including members of his transition team like Dan Allen and Joanne McKinney.

The new leadership team for public safety, community development, streets, building inspection and animal control represent a diverse group  ranging from the original president and CEO of Cornerstone Center  to the first African-American named to run the Muncie Fire Department. Terry Whitt Bailey, currently president and CEO of the Madame Walker Theater Center, Indianapolis, will lead Muncie's Community Development agency that improves inner city neighborhoods and their people. And Phil Peckinpaugh, who has run ARF for the last three years, will run Muncie's Animal Shelter.

Tyler, a retired fire captain, drew on veterans officers and political supporters for his police and fire chiefs. Fire Captain Eddie Bell will be the first African-American to run the the fire department with his deputy being fellow fire Captain Brett Granger, a legacy in the department, given his father, Phil, was a veteran firefighters. Bell, 49, appreciated the chance to step up and lead the department, pledging to reopen the Mock Avenue  and McCulloch Park fire stations.

"I think there are alot of things that we can do to better the fire department for the community," said Bell, a 26-year veteran. Bell has held every job in the fire department outside of battalion chief. He replaces current Chief Sean Burcham.

Muncie police Sgt. Steve Stewart will be the next police chief, replacing Chief Deborah Davis. Stewart, 55, worked in all divisions including investigations and patrol and also has skills with computer and telecommunication technology. His deputy will be veteran police Capt. Mark Vollmar who heads the investigations division and was busy Saturday heading up a double homicide case. Vollmar graduated from the Southern Police Institute and overseen many major felony cases in recent years.

Stewart looks forward to getting more manpower on the street and also cracking down on drug-related crime. There was no immediate word on whether the city would reorganize a city-county drug task force.

For street superintendent, Tyler named Delaware County Highway Supt. Duke Campbell has his choice to make sure streets are repaired and cleared of snow.Campbell, 54, worked for the highway department 18 years and ran it for the last four. Look for Campbell to ensure good relations between city and county street and highway crews besides keep equipment in good working condition given his years as a mechanic and in machinery repair.

The new building commissioner is Craig Nichols, whose experience in construction and drywall landed him the job.hairman He also is former Democratic Party Chairman Phil Nichols' son.

Tyler's most recognized team member is Bailey, who has received numerous awards for her service to the community. She was a chief of staff for former Ball State University president Blaine Brownell before running Cornerstone and later Madame Walker. Community service awards come naturally for Bailey who received them from the mayor, Indiana Community Arts and Women in Business. She also holds a doctorate of ministry, besides undergraduate and graduate degrees. When it comes to the inner city, Bailey said both people and infrastructure were important.

"My goal is get everybody involved in making the city better," Bailey said. It's obvious thay Bailey will be the city's biggest cheerleader when it comes to Community Development, succeeding Connie Gregory.

And as Tyler said, "We campaigned for a year saying imagine the possibilities and now we are realizing them."