By Madison Hart
InkFree News

PIERCETON — Gregory F. Chism filed a declaration of candidacy on Wednesday, June 12, for Pierceton Town Council. A seat became vacant when Eric Trump announced on Monday, May 20, he was stepping down for health reasons.

Chism is the second person to file his candidacy. Chauncey A. Smith filed on June 7.

Chism said he hopes by running he can ensure important issues can get moved along in a timely manner.

Greg Chism

“I believe in getting things done. I know government doesn’t always move quickly, but I believe in keeping people abreast of the situation, keeping them in the loop of what progress has been made and where things are at,” Chism said.

Chism has several years of experience as a plant manager, including at Tri-Lakes Container in Pierceton. He says the management and budgeting experience could be beneficial to his role on the board.

Chism would also like to see more recognition for the veterans in town.

“On Memorial Day, we don’t fly flags. It should be a priority, ” Chism said. “I fly my Hometown Hero flag quite a bit.”

Chism is an 11-year Navy veteran and two-time former commander of the Legion in Pierceton.

Chism has lived Pierceton with his wife for 15 years. He has three children, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who attend Pierceton Elementary and Whitko Junior High.

The caucus to fill the vacancy on the Pierceton Town Council will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20, in the Pierceton Town Council Chamber. The voting caucus will be eligible Republican Precinct Committee members of Washington Township, who have served 30 days prior to the date of the caucus. Those members are precinct committeemen Frank Rhoades, Tom Pletcher and vice precinct committeeman Mike Miner, proxy by precinct committeeman Gloria Miner.