By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

CLAYPOOL — Two people have filed declarations of candidacy for the Clay Township Trustee position.

Clay Township Trustee Jacob Metzger submitted his letter of resignation effective Dec. 31. Metzger was elected trustee in a December 2022 caucus, filling the vacancy left by Helen Brown.

Spencer Bartlett

Spencer Bartlett

Spencer Bartlett has lived in Kosciusko County for 20 years and works a technology and software consultant. He is married with four children.

Bartlett said he is a firm believer in local government and wants to help support the Claypool Fire Department, who has assisted his family in two fire calls.

Bartlett wants to help the local community as much as possible.

Stephanie Stutzman

Stephanie Stutzman

Stutzman has lived in Kosciusko County her whole life and works as a paraprofessional at Claypool Elementary School, working with special needs students. She used to work as a corrections officer in Elkhart County.

Stutzman’s husband, Tommy, is Claypool Fire Department’s assistant chief. The couple have three children and own Stutzman Roofing and Masonry.

Stutzman said she wants to be an advocate for the community and prioritize providing assistance to first responders.

A caucus will be held to fill the vacancy at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the Claypool Lions Club building.

The Clay Township Trustee will be elected by secret ballot of the majority of members of the voting caucus to fill the vacancy in the office.

Candidates will be allowed three minutes to address the voting caucus.