Davis Files To Run For County Council District 1
By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — One of the final people to file locally before Friday’s deadline for the May primary has created another contested race among Republicans seeking to have a role in Kosciusko County government.
Todd Davis, a retired orthopedic executive who lives in Leesburg, filed paperwork on Friday, Feb. 4, ahead of the noon deadline and announced intentions to run for county council and challenge incumbent Councilwoman Kimberly Cates for District 1.
Davis retired nearly three years ago after 33 years with Zimmer, Biomet and Zimmer Biomet where he rose to the role of president and general manager of the global knee business.
In 2019 he founded TDOrtho Consulting, LLC and continues to work in the medtech sector, consulting on a variety of areas.
Davis said he’s thought about running for a while and sought advice from several people including Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer and State Sen. Andy Zay.
“They really encouraged me – they felt like I could make a difference, given my skill set with Zimmer Biomet for all these years,” Davis said Friday while at the Justice Building.
One of his chief concerns is what he sees as a “gap where the orthopedic industry is not being represented in county government.”
Davis said of his work experience, “I think it’s critical for Kosciusko County to have representation, from its primary industry, orthopedics. I bring that experience to the table, having run the $3B Global Knee Business for the largest orthopedic company in the world. I also bring financial and business acumen that would be of value in this role on the Kosciusko County Council.”
He said he has concerns about the future of the orthopedic industry in the county.
In the past year, Medtronic announced plans to close its facility in Warsaw, and Zimmer Biomet has had layoffs recently connected to the pandemic.
“The orthopedic industry is the No. 1 employer in the county and the No. 1 source of revenue in our county and I’m worried about it and I want to make sure that it stays here to the extent it can,” he said Friday.
In a prepared statement, Davis said, “My mission is to serve this great county where I’ve spent nearly 50 years of life. I grew up here, graduating from WCHS and returned to raise my family. When I retired from Zimmer Biomet I told my wife that I wanted to dedicate my time to my family, my faith and my community. The opportunity to serve on the Kosciusko County Council is a very tangible way that I can serve my community.”
Davis is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and serves on the Parish Council, serves as Board of Directors’ Vice President for Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice, is a member of the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club and a member of the American Legion Post 253 in North Webster.
His wife, Paulette, is president of the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities, Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese, and is a member of the Warsaw City Public Arts Commission.
They have three adult children.
Meanwhile, Davis’ entry into the race gives Republican voters choices in six races in May.
Below is a list of Republican primary candidates running for county government seats.
Southern District Commissioner
Robert M. “Bob” Conley, Warsaw, incumbent
Donald K. Wiesehan, Jr., Mentone
Brian D. Pyle, Mentone
Elaine Kokenge, Warsaw
County Sheriff
Kyle P. Dukes, Milford, incumbent
James M. “Jim” Smith, Warsaw
County Council District 1
Kimberly Cates, Syracuse, incumbent
Todd Davis, Leesburg
County Council District 2
Michael W. Long, Warsaw, incumbent
County Council District 3
Scott Clay, Warsaw
Anthony W. “Tony” Ciriello, Winona Lake
Joshua Lozano, Warsaw
County Council District 4
David A. Wolkins, Warsaw
County Auditor
Rhonda J. Helser, Warsaw,
Chasity Sandy, Warsaw
County Recorder
Deborah A. “Deb” Wright, Warsaw
Teena Pence, Warsaw
County Assessor
Gail Chapman, Warsaw