Dear Editor,

I have been a resident of Winona Lake for the past 35 years and lived in the Warsaw/Winona Lake area for over 60 years.

The Winona Lake community has grown into a hometown we can all be proud of, from its religious history and Grace College to the charm of The Village, the trails, and the beauty of the lake. I remember driving my boat across the lake for high school graduation. Lining up in the old skating rink, now The Boathouse, and graduating in the Billy Sunday Tabernacle, where the Miller Sunset Pavilion now stands.

The town has come a long way since then. I love the town of Winona Lake.

What I do not love, and I am not proud of, is the way the current clerk-treasurer is being treated and the negative campaigning against her. I have no problem with people wanting a new clerk-treasurer for whatever reasons they may have. It is our privilege as Americans to campaign and vote for those we prefer to have in office.

Let’s just be civilized in our attempt to have our candidate win. Let’s be more Christ-like as we work with each other.

The candidate I support, as you may know by now, is the current clerk-treasurer, Laurie Renier. I have known Laurie for a long time. Six years ago, when I left my position working for the town of Winona Lake, I was excited to learn Laurie was hired for the position. I knew she brought a lot of experience from her work in the county government offices.

When Kent Adams passed, the caucus felt she was qualified to take the position of clerk-treasurer, and I feel she is still qualified. I know there have been issues lately. Since one employee resigned at the end of the year and another retired at the end of February, there has been a learning curve with the new employees.

I have no doubt Laurie will resolve these issues.

Laurie has a positive attitude and is a hard worker, with experience in government offices, and dedicated to the town of Winona Lake and its residents. My vote is for Laurie Renier.

Let’s stay positive citizens of Winona Lake. We live in a great community; let’s keep it that way.

Respectfully Submitted By,
Karen Cripe