Tom Anglin, former county councilman, was elected to fill the District 2 Kosciusko County Council position tonight.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Members of the Republican Party met tonight to elect a new chairman to serve District 2 in the Kosciusko County Council. The position was previously held by Jim Moyer, who resigned to pursue a position as assistant surveyor with the Kosciusko County Surveyor’s office last month. After three counts of the ballot, former council president Thomas L. Anglin was selected for the position.

Three candidates submitted their application for the position: Rhonda Miller, of Nappanee; Todd Anderson, Leesburg; and Thomas L. Anglin, Clunette. A total of 12 precinct committeemen and women showed up to the caucus with one proxy, Becky Hart, appointed to vote for Ed Rock in his absence.

Each candidate was given three minutes to address the crowd with Anglin speaking first. Anglin, a longtime member of Kosciusko County government and local business owner, noted he had the experience necessary to hit the ground running.

“Most folks don’t understand the responsibility of being on councils,” noted Anglin. “It really takes a year or two to learn about budgets, appropriations, statements and state ordinances. I served on the council 38 years and many years as president. I believe I am qualified to fill this position and my experience will be very beneficial to the county.

In addition, Anglin noted his connections to the county would allow him to work seamlessly with local officials and department heads.

“I already know the other county officials and the dept. heads. I know how county government works here in Kosciusko County, so I can hit the ground running my first council meeting.

Anglin noted he has lived in the county his entire life and that he is the owner of Clunette Elevator, an agri-business with 26 employees. With his experience in the agri-business field, Anglin explained he would be well-suited for dealing with such matters within the council.

Miller, who lives south of Nappanee, spoke next noting that what she lacked in experience in local government she made up for in fresh ideas and energy. Miller noted many areas that she felt were of importance for County Councilmen and women to consider.

(From left) Tom Anglin, Todd Anderson and Rhonda Miller.

Miller noted an area of top priority for her was support of local law enforcement, especially in lieu of the “war on law enforcement.” She also touched on the wheel tax, stating she believed tax abatement in any form should be scrutinized.

Miller, who works as a sales coordinator, noted she believed she exhibited the patience and dedication necessary for the position.

Last to speak was Todd Anderson, owner of Anderson Property Management Solutions, a family run business located in Leesburg.

Anderson noted though he also did not have experience in the government field, he believed his work as a business owner had helped prepare him to help maintain government finances.

“I for sure don’t have the experience in government, especially what Mr. Anglin has,” begun Anderson. “I have worked in business and work with big budgets. I am able to handle tax money, I know the department heads here and would be able to serve. I don’t have the experience and it is going to take some time, and there would certainly be a learning curve, but I would look forward to the challenge and capable of doing the job.”

During the ballot count, both Bob Sanders, current council president, and Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine took a moment to speak to attendees about current issues of importance.

“It takes time and it is not easy boys and girls,” stated Sanders to candidates. “It took awhile for me to learn the ropes and what it takes is getting in there and learning the job.”

Sanders touched on the controversy surrounding the recently adopted wheel tax, noting though many have suggested utilize funds from other budgets, it is not possible per federal government for the county to dip into other funds for their unspecified use.

Rovenstine took a moment to note the importance of funding to local law enforcement, noting the rising need of funds for the county jail — which is at capacity at this time. Rovenstine noted last weekend every bed in the jail was utilized and expressed both the need for funding and solutions as well as his reluctance to build a new jail just 12 years after the last jail was built.

After three counts of the ballot due to a lack of majority vote and a tie preventing elimination of one candidate for a second vote, Anglin was elected to serve the council.