WARSAW — Kimberly Cates recently announced a campaign to retain her seat as an at-large member on the Kosciusko County Council.

Kimberly Cates

Cates was appointed by a GOP caucus and is serving out the remaining term of former Council President, Bob Sanders.

Before she served on the council, Cates served six years on the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board and another six years as president of the Turkey Creek Township Fire Territory Advisory Board. She serves on other local, state-wide and international boards of directors and committees as well.

Cates has a professional background in tax and marketing. She served as a delegate to the Indiana State Republican Convention five times, served as a Republican precinct chair for over 12 years and was one of six “at large” delegates representing Indiana at the National Federation of Republican Women’s Convention in 2019.

“I diligently work and represent those I serve. With a proven track record of the ability to work with other council members, board members, residents, local government agencies, associations, officials, unions and businesses for the betterment of our community,” said Cates. “I am a full-time county council “at-large” member, and I continuously work with others to resolve the issues facing Kosciusko County.” 

Cates said she believes in small, frugal government with local control. With over 30 years of small business ownership and local government experience, she claims to be a proponent of less regulation, bringing a business perspective along with conservative values to the council. 

“After listening to many in the county, our best representation is one that mirrors the ideas and values that we hold dear,” said Cates. 

“Our community needs council members who share our values and are willing to spend time outside of the monthly meetings to research, meet with department heads, business leaders, constituents, listen, attend economic-related meetings and make tough fiscal choices,” she said.

“Our county needs someone to be approachable, accountable and visible to those served. Families, education, infrastructure, economic stability, along with less government control are high on my priority list. It is a privilege to serve you and feel I am well suited to continue this work in our county as I will continue to place our values as a priority,” said Cates.    

Cates serves on the area’s Opioid Crisis “Call to Action” Committee in addition to other non-profit Humanitarian Boards of Directors.

“In my frequent conversations with local law enforcement, government fiscal bodies and social services agencies, each report the opioid/meth crisis is already costing our community hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as destroying precious lives and families,” said Cates.

“An ongoing personal goal of mine is to support programs of recovery and lessen addiction and abuse overall,” she said.

Cates said Kosciusko County must be forward-thinking and strategic in planning infrastructure.

Attending the US 30 coalition, Michiana Area Councils of Government, Association of Indiana Counties and AIC legislative meetings, along with other regional economic development meetings are ways Cates says she attempts to keep in touch with the community’s pulse and the region’s future plans.

“I have and will continue to advocate to responsibly fund beneficial programs for our area,” she said. 

As a member of the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation executive team, Cates works with employers, educators, farmers and institutions to help qualify our citizens for local positions.

“Working together with other elected officials and business owners to support job skills training and education geared to benefit rapid job placement is an urgent task that will benefit both individuals and businesses,” Cates said.

Cates reminds voters in the upcoming primary and general election that by voting a “straight party ticket,” votes will not be counted for any “at large” county council candidates.

Those with questions are encouraged to contact Cates by email at [email protected]