Sue Ann Mitchell talks about her reasons for seeking the county commissioner – northern district bid.

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By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

Integrity. Knowledge. Service. These three words were used to describe Sue Ann Mitchell in her bid for county commissioner-northern district.

State Sen. Ryan Mishler and Jean Northenor both referred to her using those words in their introduction of Mitchell Monday night, April 22, at a reception in support of her bid for Kosciusko County Commissioner – Northern District.

Mishler noted Mitchell is “everything in this county.” He stated she has held ever position and is a woman who is knowledgeable. “I can make one phone call to Sue Ann and she can give me the answer for every single office. That is called institutional knowledge.” While Mishler noted young people are needed in office, there needs to be someone with institutional knowledge to work with the new young people. “This woman knows more about county government than probably all of us combined,” stated Mishler.

Sen. Ryan Mishler, one of the hosts for the evening, calls Sue Ann Mitchel a woman with institutional knowledge and a woman of integrity.

He also noted what comes to mind when he thinks of Mitchell is integrity. “Sue Ann doesn’t own a business. She has nothing to gain personally by doing this. She’s doing it because it’s her service and that’s something we need more of … This woman does not benefit from this job at all. It’s all about her service to the community … She was one of the first people I met when I got into this … I learned from people like her. We want her to be around. We want her to fill this position because she has the knowledge to do so.”

Northenor echoed Mishler’s comments and challenged any one to prove her wrong in her statement “There is no body in the political world in this county that can equal Sue Ann and if anybody wants to challenge me with a name …”

Northenor pointed out Mitchell knows the courthouse inside and out. “She not only knows it, but she cares. You don’t find that at lot in the political world … I challenge you to find me somebody in this county who cares more and does care more about county government than Sue Ann. In my humble opinion the county commissioners could use that. Think there is a place for Sue Ann on that board – somebody who knows the courthouse, knows all those offices and knows the reason and the absolute reason for doing something as a commissioner.”

She further stated Mitchell knows every office in that courthouse and it is important for somebody serving as commissioner “to understand what each and every office does, the why of it and the reason behind.”

Mitchell Addresses Reason

Jean Northenor challenges anyone to find a person in the county who cares more and does more about county government than Sue Ann Mitchell.

Mitchell shared her thoughts and vision as to why she feels she would make the best choice for commissioner. “This is not something I decided easily evidence by the fact that I changed my application when I changed from running for council, withdrew and changed to run for the commissioners position. There were several issues that caused me to make that change and it was not done without a great deal of thought. I have nothing to gain personally from serving as a commissioner other than the satisfaction of providing good government.

“I have no conflicts of interest that would put money in my pocket, as I would not be transacting any personal business with the county.”

She later elaborated on those comments.

She summed up in her closing remarks why she changed her mind. “There’s one day during the legislature that led me to be here tonight. I heard from several legislators reference a specific bill that was the right thing to do. All of them stepped up and did the right thing. I heard from the Association Indiana Counties director, he filled in other piece of the puzzle, another part that is happening with that. There were lots of side stories to that bill that led me to stand before you today asking to serve as your northern district commissioner. I am here because of principles and my belief that Kosciusko County deserves a transparent, honest and straightforward commissioner and that is what I pledge to you. I urge that you be an informed voter if you have questions reach out and sit down and share my thoughts.”

During Mitchell’s presentation her knowledge of what is happening that could affect Kosciusko County was shared. She talked about the need for commissioners to be involved in the US 30 Propel project, in tax bills and its affect on the county as well as other areas. She noted her extensive history of service which started after she moved to North Webster and married Dick Mitchell. “He was an inspiration to give back to the community.” This has also followed through with her children and stepchildren.

She highlighted the numerous recognitions she has received and those recognitions which were the most dear to her.

Mitchell noted she has never quit a position she was elected to, fulfilling each term to the end.

The knowledge Mitchell has that Mishler and Northenor eluded to was shown. She shared how her research has found funds for the county to utilize for training and to fund program, including helping to write legislation and to testify before legislators on bills. She shared what she referred to as a “hodgepodge” of accomplishments, but to her those accomplishments were a representation of her dedication to “finding ways to better county government and to better service.”

She told of growing up in Anderson, coming to Pinkerman’s Campground at Dewart Lake as a child and following the death of her father when she was 19 taking a job at General Motors. She spoke of how her hometown and county was thriving because of the company and how now, every general motors job is gone. The 18 blocks where the factory was located is vacant ground, the three high schools turned into one high school.

She talked about a few of the things she could bring to the table as a commissioner. One was economic development. “We can never be over confident that that could never happen right here (referring to Anderson),” she said. “We’ve got to be ever aware of that. … I don’t ever want a child in Kosciusko County not to realize how prosperous our county has been.”

She talked about diversification to help make the county a wonderful place to live, work and play. “That will always be a priority for me as I serve as a commission.” She touched on the need for commissioners to establish a solid policy to ensure county structures are in good repair; give high priority to the county highway as it monitors and maintains county roads and bridges.

The evening reception was hosted by Mishler, Jon Garber, Avis Gunter, Jim Jarrett, Northenor, Linda Sanders, Joe Thallemer and Ernie Wiggins. Mitchell’s two children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were also in attendance.