ETNA GREEN — Three people have filed declarations of candidacy for the vacant Etna Green Town Council member seat.

Jason Hanes has been familiar with the town of Etna Green ever since he was a child. He works as a CNC machinist at Avalign Technologies.

“I’ve always loved Etna Green and I want to make sure the town keeps running efficiently,” said Hanes. “It’s a great, safe place for my child to grow up. And I watch politics closely, both nationally and locally. I wanted to just get involved and do something to further help the town.”

Aaron Bakian has lived in the town of Etna Green for more than 20 years. He works for Construction Services of Indiana and is also a firefighter with the Etna Green Fire Department. Bakian also formerly worked for the city of Warsaw.

“With all of my experience, I have a wide knowledge of utilities, especially electrical,” said Bakian. “I’m also not related to any of the town employees and I know a lot of the town’s residents since I’ve lived here my whole life.”

Cory Ellinger has resided in Etna Green for two years but has lived in the area his whole life. Ellinger works as a regulatory auditor in manufactured housing.

“I just want to give back to my community and help make a difference in Etna Green,” said Ellinger.

The only precinct committeeman for Etna Township is Steve Sechrist. According to procedure, when there is only one precinct committeeman, the county chair of the party of the elected vacancy names the replacement.

After discussion with Mr. Sechrist, Kosciusko County Republican Central Committee Chairman Mike Ragan will appoint the new Etna Green Town Council member at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Kosciusko County Clerk’s office. The appointee will serve the remainder of the term of the elected Republican town council member Todd Slabaugh.