By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

LEESBURG — Four candidates are seeking seats on the three-member Plain Township advisory board in the general election to be held Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Gaynor Worden is the lone Democrat on the ballot, joining Greg Anderson, Robert Bishop and Larry Kammerer. Incumbents Bishop and Kammerer have served as advisory board members for 16 and four years, respectively.

Voters will have the option to vote for up to three candidates on their ballot, with the top three vote-getters earning seats on the board.

Following are brief profiles and statements provided by each candidate, listed in alphabetical order.

Greg Anderson

GREG ANDERSON

Anderson, 43, was born and raised as part of a family of nine in Leesburg. He is a member of the Leesburg Lions Club, NRA and American Legion Post 49.

“It would be my honor to give back and serve the community I have grown up in,” Anderson said. “I am aware of the uncertain times we live in. I am running because conservative leaders need to step up and lead to protect our conservative values.

“Silence is loud. I felt it’s my responsibility to give back to my own community, to help it continue to be the community I’m so proud to be a part of.

“I have reached out to several of the current township board members and respectfully told them I am just here to serve in any way I can. I want to come alongside incumbent members running and continue to keep the taxes as low as possible for the township, and using current taxes in the most efficient way.

“I will continue in supporting our Leesburg firemen and EMS in having the best equipment and qualified staff needed to protect our community safely and effectively. I’m willing to work and dedicate my time for our township.”

Robert Bishop

ROBERT BISHOP

With the exception of two years, Bishop has lived in Plain Township his whole life. He is a farmer and an active member of the Leesburg Lions Club and other Kosciusko County organizations.

“I’ve served as chairman of the advisory board for 16 years,” Bishop said. “I have a good idea of the many things we have done in the past and projects we have planned for the future of Plain Township.

“The advisory board has taken over the maintenance of all cemeteries in the township and has paved all the streets in Leesburg and Oswego cemeteries. The advisory board plans to erect tornado sirens in the township to help protect citizens from severe weather.

“I’ve strived to keep our tax rate as low as possible and not overspend on any projects. I think we as a board have done that, as our tax rate is one the lowest in Kosciusko County.

“We’ve provided the most affordable EMS service through Lutheran EMS. Our volunteer fire department is one of the best in the county. We thank them for the many hours they spend in training and taking care of our township citizens. We’ve provided them with the most up-to-date equipment available. I plan to continue providing them with the best equipment.”

Larry Kammerer

LARRY KAMMERER

Kammerer has served one term on the Plain Township advisory board. Additionally, he has served on the county extension board, 4-H Council, pork producers board and church boards. He has been a farmer for 50 years and been responsible for the financial matters of the farm. Born and raised in Plain Township, he and wife, Kay, have three children and seven grandchildren. They are members of Wawasee Community Bible Church in Milford.

“Serving on the township advisory board is a way for me to give back to the community,” said Kammerer. “Our township is in good financial shape and our tax rate is one of the lower ones in the county. Our fire department has really good equipment and we are starting to put up tornado sirens in our township.

“I want to keep a low tax rate, good fire department and see our siren project to completion. Our main responsibility is taking care of the finances of the township. One of our major budget items is the fire department.

“I’ve had a good working relationship with the fire chiefs the last four years. If we have issues in the fire department or the cemetery, I always try to be available to sit down and help solve the problem.”

Gaynor Worden

GAYNOR WORDEN

Retired, Worden has lived in Kosciusko County for nearly 40 years. He ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the board in 2018.

“This is a Republican county and I am just tired of not seeing a Democrat on the ballot,” Worden said during that first campaign.

“My father was on the advisory board in another area. I just think it is something I can do. I don’t know that I am not any better or worse than anybody else.

“I have nothing against Republicans but I think it is time to have a little competition. If I can do the job, and do it well, I would appreciate the people’s vote.”