KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Three candidates are running in the primary for Kosciusko County Commissioner in the Southern District, all who have been long-time residents of the county. Voting will take place May 8, when everyone is encouraged to get out and participate. Local government elections are just as, if not more, important than national elections. Those voted in will be able to directly impact the county and make changes to best fit the people.

Republican Candidates

Robert M. (Bob) Conley is finishing his third term as county commissioner and is running again to maintain his position. A 1969 graduate of Warsaw Community High School, Conley also graduated from Indiana National Barber College in Indianapolis. He cuts hair with his youngest son, has two other successful children and has been married for 48 years.

Robert M. Conley (R)

Conley has appreciated being able to represent the people of the county in a multitude of ways. He is on the area planning commission, is a member of the solid waste board, the technical review board and part of the Warsaw Community Development Corporation. He is currently the president of the board of county commissioners, president of the county finance committee and an elder at the Redeemer Lutheran Church where he and his wife, Sue, were married.

“There’s nothing I’d rather be doing than helping the people of the county. I find it very gratifying,” stated Conley. “We’re problem solvers and, in working with the other two commissioners, we make a good trio. We have diverse backgrounds so one of us has experience in whatever comes up, which is extremely helpful.

“There are a lot of positive things going on in Kosciusko County. I’m glad to help people and conduct the affairs of the county’s government. It’s fun but a lot of work. You got the right people in the right positions to do what it takes to keep the county progressive and moving forward.”

Conley is most proud about employing the best people to the jobs that need to be done and attributes a lot of success to them.

DeLynn Geiger has lived in Kosciusko County since 1969, and attended Grace College for a bachelor’s degree in education and communication. Living south of Warsaw with his wife, Lori, he opened a business that started out serving people of the county. 

Geiger is proud of his business track record with the county, which has allowed him to understand a variety of things such as drainage, county highways, health department and more. Much of the work he handles is similar to what a county commissioner would handle. Having integrity, being a good listener and a problem solver is not only what builds a business, but are also qualities of a good commissioner. He has faith in his ability to collaborate and bring people of different departments together to move forward.

“I understand a lot of things that go on but part of my agenda is to go to work for the people and service them,” said Geiger. “There’s a lot of things coming down the pipe in the future that I think I will be a real asset to as far as infrastructure. I can be instrumental in helping with several issues coming up. I work with a lot of businesses and people throughout the county — I want to help them in making decisions, whether it be around the lakes or new developments.

“I stick with a task and get things done. I get back with people and can keep them updated. Leaders make a difference in the future of the county and, without good leaders, you lack direction and collaboration. Good leaders will take you forward into the future.”

Geiger’s family is blended with seven children, who he is all proud of for leading passionate and successful careers. He enjoys living in the country and taking nature walks with his family, which he has dubbed “count your blessing” walks.

Democratic Candidate

J. Todd Weingart fell in love with Warsaw in the summer of the early 1990s, drawn to the people of the area. That prompted him to move to the area with his wife, Pamela, and two children. Weingart stated, “It was listed as the 49th nicest place to live, top ranked for the most stable economy, the eighth best school system and had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United states.” 

He continued his work in the financial markets, where he built his own businesses that led to employing 53 people, later selling the successful business to start a small boutique firm until retirement. Unable to sit still, Weingart was asked to be the registered general principle, branch manager and trading floor supervisor at his old clearing firm in Chicago — a position he currently holds.

“I’m running for Kosciusko County Commissioner because I feel I can make a difference in people’s lives,” commented Weingart. “My main concerns are wheel tax and road conditions, but what I really want is to hear from the people across the county. I plan to listen and learn the concerns of my constituents. I want to form a platform that reflects all of Kosciusko County.”

Weingart assists Pamela with Warsaw Education Foundation Red Apple grants for teachers and sponsors several teams for the WEF quiz bowl at Warsaw Community High School. He also enjoys restoring old cars, currently a 1945 Chevy subside pick up, and working on his 7 acres of property in his spare time.