KLA cadets learned about “City and County Government” at its recent meeting. Shown from left are KLA Cadet Chris Plack, sponsored by Cardinal Services; KLA Cadet Joseph Sobek, sponsored by Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; KLA Cadet Mikie Crate, self-sponsored; Joni Truex, county council member; Warsaw Mayor Jeff Grose; and Scott Clay, campaign organizer. Photo provided by KLA.

News Release

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Kosciusko Leadership Academy Cadets heard from Warsaw Mayor Jeff Grose, Kosciusko County Council Member Joni Truex, and campaign organizer Scott Clay on March 5. Jim Swanson, CEO of Kosciusko YMCA, for hosted the KLA cadets.

Presenting on behalf of the city of Warsaw, Grose explained his top priorities for the city through earning citizen trust and encouraging civic engagement, supporting private sector investment and growth, strengthening intergovernmental relations, infrastructure and transportation improvements, exceptional police and fire departments and a commitment to limited government while also promoting good government. He also discussed with the cadets the importance of making the community more appealing to attract new residents. He is also looking for board and commission members to learn about and serve the community.

The second speaker of the morning was Truex. Truex discussed with the cadets the different roles and responsibilities of Kosciusko County government commissioners, councils and departments. She discussed the current state of affairs in the county and what seats will be open in the upcoming local election. Council members meet at 6 p.m. the second Thursday of every month; anyone can watch these live on kc.gov.

Clay presented his life in public service and how he became a campaign organizer. He discussed the role of a state representative and the different committees that he serves on. Clay also explained how to run for office, based on his own experience and the advice he gives candidates he works with. First you must decide what you want to run for, fill out paperwork, knock on doors, create marketing literature, and reach out to voters to let them know why you’re running and what you want to do. He is also willing to help anyone who wants to run for office in the future.

The next KLA session will be on March 19 and will cover entrepreneurship across sectors in Kosciusko County at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center at Grace College.