PIERCETON — As elections approach, four candidates are competing for three seats on the Pierceton Town Council.

We asked them two questions each:

1. Next year is the 150th birthday of Pierceton. In the next 150 years, where would you like to see the town of Pierceton be?

2. How do you think you can make Pierceton more than just “a stop along the way to Columbia City/Fort Wayne?” to passersby?

So far, the only candidates to respond have been Aaron W. Robbins and Matthew Brubaker.

Matthew Brubaker (R)

Matt Brubaker

Matthew Brubaker is 40 years old, and graduated from Whitko High school in 1993. He attended ITT Technical Institute where he received an associate degree in automotive service technology. He has been employed by Rice Ford Lincoln, Warsaw, since 1995. He has been married to Marsha for 15 years and they have one daughter, Jenna, age 14.

He has been on Pierceton Fire Deptment since March 1996 holding different positions within the fire department, such as lieutenant, captain, treasurer and for the past five years, chief. He was active in the Pierceton Youth League for around five years and was on its board for three years holding positions of treasurer and president

He has lived in Pierceton his entire life. Brubaker’s dad retired from the Pierceton Fire Department after serving 30 years. “Seeing him involved with the fire department while growing up is what made me want to get involved,” Brubaker concluded.

Brubaker declined to answer the two questions.

Aaron W. Robbins (R)

Aaron Robbins

Aaron Robbins is 38 years old, and has lived  in Pierceton 37 years. He is a 1996 graduate of Whitko High School. He has been married for 20 years to Angela Robbins, and has three children: Avery, 19; Ashlynn, 18; and Alex, 16. He is currently employed at Winona PVD in Warsaw, and is a member of New Beginnings Church and World Outreach in Warsaw. Volunteer work: Robbins has helped out as den leader and assistant den leader with Cub Scout Pack No. 3761, Pieceton Youth League board member 2005-2013, youth baseball coach 1998-2000 and 2005-2013. Whitko High School Baseball JV head coach 2001-2004. He is pro-life and a lifetime member of the NRA.

1. I would like to see Pierceton continue sustainable growth by bringing in more businesses to the community. I would like to think that the parks would continue to be well maintained and improved to get a greater number of people from the community out enjoying them. I hope in 150 years, Pierceton hasn’t lost is “small-town” charm, but I see a lot of potential to grow.

2. I believe it already is. People come from miles away to shop at our antique stores. However, to bring in a more diversified group of people, just like in the last answer, Pierceton can become more to more people by bringing more businesses into the community. I think a Texas Roadhouse or Logan’s would go great in the community, and bring people in to dine. There isn’t a steakhouse in Warsaw or Columbia City and we set right between them on US 30.  I also think that we need something other than “state issued” city limit signs. Nothing too fancy, but something that truly “welcomes” travelers to the town of Pierceton.

Aaron Robbins and Matthew Brubaker will be running against Armando Espinoza, incumbent, and Thomas Barker. Neither incumbents Ronald Hall nor Jim Bumbaugh are running for re-election this year.

There will also only be one person running for clerk-treasurer:

Jerry Kreger

Jerry Kreger, 56, is running for clerk-treasurer of Pierceton. A 1977 graduate of Whitko High School, 1982 graduate of Manchester College with a BS in business administration, Jerry served 16 years on the town council, 13 as president. He has been on the Pierceton Fire Department for over 30 years.