KOSCIUSKO — The Prairie Township Advisory Board members and Township Trustee face no competition in the fall election. Republican incumbents for the Advisory Board include Lila Christner Thompson, Gordon R. Drake, and Connie S. Himes. The Republican incumbent for Prairie Township Trustee is Julia Goon.

The upcoming election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Lila Christner Thompson

Thompson was appointed to the board on Jan. 13, 2016. This is Thompson’s first election as a board member. In the future, she hopes to continue the board’s work with cleaning up the township’s cemeteries and helping the Atwood Volunteer Fire Department.

“I’m still learning a lot since I’m new to the board,” said Thompson. “But I’ve been very amazed to see all the work that’s involved in a township board.”

Gordon R. Drake

Gordon R. Drake

Drake grew up in Massachusetts and has been a part of the township’s board for 16 years. He said he will continue to work hard with the other board members to keep the township looking good.

“We’re going in the right direction and there’s been a lot of good decisions made,” said Drake. “We also hope to continue our low tax rate for those that live in the area.”

Connie S. Himes

Connie S. Himes

Himes was appointed to the board on Feb. 9, 2015, stepping into the position after former board member Marjorie Himes, her mother-in-law, passed away. This is Himes’ first election as a board member.

“I hope to continue what we’ve done in the community,” said Himes. “We also want to continue to keep the township’s tax rate low and keep cemeteries clean.”

Julia Goon

Julia Goon

Goon was appointed as Prairie Township Trustee in January 1981. At that time, she was the youngest township trustee in the state of Indiana. During her time as township trustee, Goon has been involved in several projects, including a 2015 contract with Lutheran EMS and the selling of the Prairie Township Park to the Atwood Community Building. Goon also worked as township trustee assessor until 2009.

Goon has also helped a lot of township trustees throughout the years and aids struggling township residents by getting them in contact with Combined Community Services.

“I’m passionate about the township trustee position,” said Goon. “It’s truly a political position that’s closest to the people.”