Janet Allen was the first woman elected to the South Bend Common Council. She was re-elected to the position and then, at age 67, she was the Republican nominee for mayor. Very active in community affairs, she was a vocal critic of matters she believed were not in the interests of South Bend, and she closely scrutinized the budgeting and spending of public funds. A friendly lady who conducted herself with dignity, she was quick to praise achievements of public officials. (1999)