Paul Helmke: President

Paul Helmke has been an ardent and active supporter of common sense solutions to gun violence for many years. As a teenager, two of his closest friends were involved in an accidental, near-fatal shooting. That memory, as well as the assassinations of the 1960's, has influenced the strong stand he has taken on gun violence. Mr. Helmke served three terms as Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana from 1988 until 2000, and he is a former President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

As Mayor, he saw the problems of gun violence first-hand. He joined with local clergy to help launch "Stop the Madness," a project to combat youth violence in our city. He also worked with Jim and Sarah Brady in the early 1990's to help build support for the Brady Law and the federal Assault Weapons Ban. His wife is a public school kindergarten teacher, and the Helmkes have two grown daughters. Since leaving office, Mr. Helmke has practiced law in Indiana.