Races Set For Township Advisory Boards
Jefferson Township, Plain Township and Tippecanoe Township voters will have to choose between three of the four candidates seeking nomination for their respective advisory boards Tuesday. All three townships will have races on the Republican ballot. There are no primary races for advisory board seats in Turkey Creek and Van Buren.
Here’s a look at the candidates, as their names will appear on the ballot, in the three races
Jefferson Township
Dee Ann Beer, incumbent, has lived in Jefferson township since 1983. “I have enjoyed being on the board and participating in local government. I enjoy learning all that is going on in our township. I also like help making decisions concerning our township. Even though we know we can not make everyone happy, we strive to listen to everyone and do what is best for the majority.
Jane Hunsberger, who was recently appointed to the board to fill an unexpired term, has lived in Jefferson East Township for 36 years. “As being elected this past December … I am just beginning to get involved with this position. I would like to continue to learn more on how this board works and stay involved with these activities and requirements to do this job.”
Arlen Mullet, a native of Nappanee and business owner, stated he would like to get more involved and feels local people should be involved. “There is too much government in our pockets. As Ronald Reagan said ‘get the government out of people’s pockets.’ ”
Robert “Bob” Riley, has served on the West Jefferson Township advisory board for several years. He was raised on a farm in Porter County and he and his wife, Joyce, have lived in the township for 51 years, raising their three children. He has lived in West Jefferson for 36 years. The retired social studies teacher, feels “I owe something to the community that I call home. Serving on the advisory board is one of the ways to serve the community.”
Plain Township
Robert W. Bishop, incumbent, is seeking his third term on the advisory board. “I want to represent my fellow taxpayers and keep our tax rate as low as possible. I want to be able to provide for our residents the services that they ask for. The No. 1 priority is being able to provide the best fire equipment for our volunteers who work to save our property. I also want to be able to help those who are in need of some assistance for their families. My reason to seek another term is to give back to my community for the many blessings I have received from it.”
Craig Charlton, incumbent, is seeking is fifth term in office. He is active in the community helping with parades, youth leagues and other events in the community. He is seeking the nomination to be a “good steward of tax dollars to provide services that benefit the community and apply those services at a simple cost.”
Dan Gast, incumbent, has served two terms on the board and wishes to continue serving the community he has resided in for the past 16 years. He has spent 36 years working in the area of highway and airport construction and concrete work and four years as an inspector at small airports.
Tyler Huffer has lived in Warsaw area his entire life and graduated from Warsaw Community High School. He is a paramedic and serves as precinct committeeman. “I have had the pleasure and opportunity to serve and see the inner workings of public safety first hand in this community. I also get to work with different socioeconomical classes in my profession. This helps me understand our local community and the needs that exist in our township … work with the Township Trustee and other board members to make responsible choices for the taxpayers of Plain Township. As a goal I want the emergency responders to have adequate resources. I will promote fiscal responsibility. I am also very open to new opinions and ideas that are brought to the table … ”
Tippecanoe Township
Steve P. Carson, incumbent, has lived in the North Webster, Tippecanoe Township all his life and served on the board for one term. “I have enjoyed being involved with the community that I grew up in and making decision that will help better our community. This community has been good to me and this is my way of giving back to them.” He is in the construction business, owning his own business.
Richard Owen, a lifelong area resident, grew up in North Webster, and is owner/operator of a local business. Owen served as clerk on the election board in North Webster during the late 1980s, was inspector for the election board in Milford from 1989–2005 and served as precinct committee man for several years in Milford as well. “The Tippecanoe Township Trustee is in charge of many things including the local cemeteries. We work closely together in that aspect and thought it would be a natural fit to serve on the Tippecanoe Township Advisory Board. Owen feels with his business knowledge, concern for the local community, and past experience, it would be a great way to give back to the community who has been so gracious to him. He is a member of various local organizations and holds office in some of those organizations.
James Rhodes, incumbent, is a native of Tippecanoe Township and has served on the board for 12 years. “I want to serve the community that has supported me and my family. My business office is located in North Webster. I believe everyone has the ability to serve in some way. I was asked years ago to consider serving on township board. It wasn’t something I took lightly … I want to make sure that our fire and EMS services stay viable, funded and operational … But I would rather be hated for what I stand for than be loved for who I’m not. I love this township and I’ve been blessed to serve it.”
Jonathan T. Tyler, a lifelong county resident and a member of the county sheriff’s department, wants to ensure “the Tippecanoe Township/North Webster community receives the best possible service from its township government, which is why I am seeking the Republican nomination for one of the three Tippecanoe Township Advisor positions … I believe those in need should be respectfully connected to community resources which promote their maximum potential for self-sustainment and growth. I will seek to provide efficient maintenance of our township cemeteries and promote positive, responsible, and productive use of township land. … We need Fire and EMS services that are staffed with well trained professionals to meet those needs … ” He is president of the Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners, Inc., and past vice president and board of directors member.
Turkey Creek And Van Buren Townships
Individuals seeking the nomination on the ballot for Turkey Creek Township Advisory board are incumbents: Kimberly Cates, Dennis Darr and John D. Heckaman on the Republican ballot. There are no candidates for this position on the Democrat ballot.
Individuals seeking the nomination for Van Buren Township Advisory Board are incumbents Harry D. Doty and Stephen Unruh and newcomer Robert L. Beer on the Republican ballot. Incumbent Vickie Marquart will seek the nomination on the Democrat ballot.
Individuals seeking the nomination for township trustees are incumbents: Beth Krull, Jefferson Township; Jerry Kammerer, Plain Township; Steve Ward, Tippecanoe Township; Barbara Griffith, Turkey Creek Township; and Rebecca Alles, Van Buren Township. There are no candidates on the Democrat ballot for local tornwship trustees.