The primary is this Tuesday. Candidates try to appeal to voters one last time.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct that Austin Shadle did not respond by deadline and answers to questions originally attributed to him were actually provided by Clayton Miller.
RICHMOND, Ind. — Early voting for the May primary this coming Tuesday has been underway for awhile, with several county positions up for grabs.
There are six contested races at the county level this spring, including for treasurer, council, clerk of circuit courts and more.
The Palladium-Item reached out to each of the candidates in contested races for a last chance to appeal to voters before heading to the polls.
For the Wayne County Coroner's race, Robert "Brent" Meadows did not respond and an email address for Timothy Hubert Swift provided by the Wayne County Voter Registration Office came back as undeliverable.
Wayne County Treasurer
In the county treasurer's race, Beth Fields, executive secretary for the county (not to be confused with the other Beth Fields, director of strategic operations for the city of Richmond) and Douglas E. Glass will go head-to-head.
Beth Fields did not respond by deadline.
Why are you qualified to be the next county treasurer?
Glass: I am qualified to hold the office of Wayne County Treasurer because I have applicable experience as a former Auditor’s office employee working with property taxes and with the software used in the tax collection process by the Treasurer’s office. Additionally, I have 15 years of experience providing technical support to all county government offices which gives me an insight into the interconnectedness of the offices through which the taxation process flows.
During those years, I have worked closely with the current and former treasurers, gaining exposure to much of their daily operations and technology. I am a graduate of Great Lakes Maritime Academy and earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern Michigan College, graduating with summa cum laude honors. I served in the U.S. Merchant Marine for 11 years, providing leadership as an officer and captain on commercial cargo ships. These experiences provide unique qualifications that will be valuable in assuming the duties of the Wayne County Treasurer.
What will you look to get accomplished in your next four years in office?
Glass: My top priorities for the position of Treasurer are first, to work with approved depositories to maximize the interest earned on county investments of tax collections. That interest is used to help fund improvements and projects that benefit our community. Second, to maintain a high degree of professionalism in assisting taxpayers with the collection of taxes, and to increase the awareness of payment options, including the county’s tax payment plan. Third, to work as a team within the office to ensure compliance with the State Board of Accounts internal control procedures and to revise standard procedures as needed. This translates to something important to all citizens, that the collecting of county taxes is done in a transparent and accountable manner.
Wayne County Clerk of Courts
Debra Berry was elected to a second term after she completed her predecessor's term following her appointment to the position, and therefore can not run again. Tara Pegg and Melanie L. Vaughn, who both have significant experience working in clerk offices, are seeking the position.
Why are you qualified to be the next Clerk of Courts?
Pegg: I have worked under three Clerks of Courts learning something from each one of them. My eighteen years of experience working in the Clerk’s office, fourteen as the supervisor in voter registration has given me the opportunity to learn what does and does not work in the office. The Clerk’s office has a wide range of responsibilities ranging from court records to managing elections. I feel I can manage a well balanced team, that can engage with the public in a positive responsible way.
My background experience is the following:
Certificate of Appreciation from Indiana Association of Clerks – Loyalty and exemplary service to County Government
Three years as Vice President of Indiana Voter Registration Association
Three years as President of Indiana Voter Registration Association
2020 VSTOP Certificate Program in Election Administration technology and Security (CEATS)
Ball State University
Eleven years as Vice Chairman of the Wayne County Republican Party
2017 Republican of the Year
Ten years at H&R Block, five years as manager
Associates Degree from Vincennes University
Vaughn: I am the only candidate who has the knowledge and experience in over 28 court service types. This includes proficiency in specialized software programs that are required to serve the public, the court system, law enforcement agencies and the numerous other entities that the Clerk’s office serves. Currently I am Chief Deputy/Bookkeeper to Clerk Debra Berry, and as such, I am learning the additional duties required by the Clerk. I have a strong understanding of the financial aspect of the office and am the only candidate with experience in County finance. My position requires management of the collection and disbursement of $7.5 million annually. It is important to mention that I am the only candidate who is qualified and knowledgeable to ensure a smooth transition and ready to serve on Day 1.
What will you look to get accomplished in your next four years in office?
Vaughn: I will formalize Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’S) for all tasks performed and services provided by the Clerk of Courts. This will mean the best possible service delivered to our customers, improve on-boarding of new employees, and provide cross-training and new growth opportunities for our staff. We currently have a staff of 23 and they are the foundation of the services provided.
Pegg: In my four years as Clerk of Courts, I would like to make sure our elections continue to be secure and to keep running efficiently in Wayne County. I want to work with the budget and use our taxpayer’s money wisely and efficiently. I truly feel I am a leader that can make a difference and I want to serve our community.
Wayne County Commissioner, District 2
Mary Anne Butters announced last year that she would not run for another term, leaving the seat open for three candidates: Aaron Roberts, Tracey Jellison and Jeff Wheeler.
Jellison and Wheeler did not respond.
Why are you qualified to be the next Wayne County Commissioner for District 2?
Roberts: My experience in county government, understanding the role of county commissioner, knowledge of elected officials and department heads, as well as my extensive background in law enforcement and public service provide a solid foundation for serving as your county commissioner. My combination of practical experience and knowledge makes me well-equipped for the role.
What will you look to get accomplished in your next four years in office?
Roberts: Continuing to make Wayne County a safe community to live and work is one of my top priorities. This includes increased collaboration and coordination between all of our first responders across Wayne County, in terms of training, equipment, and shared knowledge. My goal is to work with the five higher education organizations in Wayne County to retain more young, local talent and knowledge. We have an amazing opportunity to achieve just about any degree right here in Wayne County. Bringing in more businesses to Wayne County that can employ more of our residents is essential in helping our community grow. This also includes more support for our local business leaders to expand upon their operations and services already in place. This in turn will make Wayne County a place where people want to live and work.
Wayne County Commissioner, District 3
Jeff Plasterer, who is the incumbent for the district, is running unopposed.
Why are you qualified to be the next Wayne County Commissioner for District 3?
Plasterer: I served 22 years on the County Council (seven as president) before being elected to the County Commissioners. I'm currently in my fourth year as Commissioner (my second year as president). I've become very well versed in the operations of county government. In addition, I hold a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in public administration.
What will you look to get accomplished in your next four years in office?
Plasterer: The county is well positioned for significant growth and development over the next four years. From ARPA to HELP to READI to Lilly gifts, significant public and private investment dollars will be expended in Wayne County that will allow for unprecedented growth in the local economy, increase household income, and reverse our population decline. I believe I can help provide the leadership necessary to move the county in a positive direction.
Wayne County Council At-Large
Max Smith, the incumbent, is being challenged by Cathy C. Williams and Gerald "Gary" Saunders for the at-large seat.
Why are you qualified to hold the next Wayne County Council At-Large seat?
Smith: I am running for my second term on the Wayne County Council, thus I have served as a Councilman for over three years and have been VP of the council for the past two years. My service within Wayne County Government goes back to 1985 when I started serving as County Commissioner, serving in that role for 16 years. Outside of County Government, I have been involved in many business activities including our family farm and non-profit organizations including our church. I also spent 16 years working with a consulting firm assisting private and public organizations in process improvement, strategy deployment and alignment as well as improving their management abilities.
Williams: I believe I am qualified as I have been a Wayne County employee for the past 18 years serving as Chief Deputy Treasurer for seven years, Treasurer for 8 years and on Wayne County Council for almost four years. I have seen the ins and outs of the day to day operations of the county from various viewpoints and have worked closely with several of the county departments to come up with solutions for problems they may have, be it financial, operational or otherwise. I have also served on the State of Indiana Legislative Committee for both the State Treasurer’s Association and also the State County Council Association. I have gone to the statehouse to testify on legislation that would directly affect Wayne County citizens.
Saunders: I provide experienced leadership through my years of being a servant for the people of Wayne County, business owner and my ability to lead with common sense and frugal money management practices.
What will you look to get accomplished in your next four years in office?
Smith: Wayne County is in a very good financial position and I want to make sure we maintain that. We need to meet the needs of our county’s citizens while living within our available finances. We have continuing maintenance projects to be completed on facilities and we must continue to provide a safe environment for all to live in, work in, and raise our families. We have been fortunate to have had available federal and state funds due to COVID to complete one-time type expenditures that would have put a real strain on our traditional limited resources of property, income taxes and highway funding. We must remember that the state controls the amount of money we can raise each year and we have to live within those boundaries.
Williams: As part of my Council duties, besides serving on Wayne County Council, I also serve on several other Boards; Drug Free Wayne County Partnership, WUR (Wayne Union Recycle Solid Waste Management District), JRAC (Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council) and Community Corrections. I hope to be instrumental in helping get some of the projects these groups are working on done. We have great people from lots of different “walks of life” who serve on these Boards and with these organizations, and I would like to be part of what makes Wayne County a great place to live.
Saunders: A balanced budget while providing the services that are required by the state statute.
What will be your financial priorities in office should you be elected?
Smith: 1. To maintain a balanced budget, living within our means. 2. To keep the tax burden as low as possible on our citizens and businesses. 3. To work with the judicial system and law enforcement agencies to provide what is practical and possible to meet their daily increasing needs to provide a safe county for our families. 4. To provide adequate wages and benefits for our county workforce to retain and attract the best possible people to serve our citizens.
Williams: I want to make sure Wayne County remains fiscally responsible and in today’s world with inflation and all the other catastrophic things going on in the world, this is not a “given”. I believe Wayne County has weathered COVID and the tragic loss of many of our loved ones, friends and neighbors and all the economic challenges that accompanied that horrific event and we are still “standing”. I hope to be able to contribute to the decisions financially, to continue to keep Wayne County financially sound for now and in the future.
Saunders: Public safety, 911 dispatch and maintaining Wayne County facilities.
Judge for Wayne County Superior Court 1
Following Charles K. Todd Jr.'s decision not to run for reelection, three candidates threw their names into the race: Ron Moore, president of the Wayne County Bar Association, Austin Shadle, acting court commissioner of Wayne County 4-D Court for paternity and child support cases and the president-elect for the Wayne County Bar Association, and J. Clayton Miller, an attorney with experience in both civil and criminal law.
Austin Shadle did not respond by deadline.
Why are you qualified to be the next Wayne County Superior Court 1 Judge?
Moore: I am the President of the Wayne County Bar Association. I am a strong conservative leader focused on family values and upholding the rule of law for strong safe communities. I’ve been an attorney in Richmond for more than two decades, covering a case range from adoptions and family law to criminal and civil cases. I have extensive trial experience and significant appellate experience. I have had the privilege of handling almost every type of case one would expect to regularly come before Wayne Superior Court 1. Throughout my career, I have worked hard to remove the hurdles people face in the judicial system. Working behind the bench, I feel that I would be able to help more people. I have volunteered as a mentor to youths in our community and have worked with non-profits in Wayne County to help make our community stronger and better. I know my experience and commitment to our community make me uniquely qualified to serve as the next Judge of Wayne Superior Court 1.
Miller: I've been practicing law for nearly 24 years in Wayne County. That makes me the longest continuously serving attorney of the candidates that are running. I appear in Superior Court 1 on nearly a daily basis. I'm the only candidate who's a registered mediator. I've served as a judge pro tempore. That's basically a substitute judge when a judge is absent, they can appoint an attorney to serve as a judge for a day. I'm the president-elect of the Wayne County Bar Association. I'll be the president next year. I was a three-term member of Richmond Common Council. The opportunity to serve as a judge is something that I've been interested in for a long time. This is the first time since I've been an attorney, and again nearly 24 years, that there's an open seat for a judge. So with the time of my experience and just this desire, it's a good time for me to run for judge now.
Should you be elected, what do you hope to accomplish over the next six years?
Moore: I would work diligently to continue the legacy of strong judiciary that we have had in Wayne County for decades. We’re blessed in Wayne County to have had Judges who now act as senior Judges, and I look forward to being able to learn from their wisdom during the initial phases of my time on the bench, if so honored. While our courts are a well-oiled machine, our judiciary is overburdened with caseloads. I would hope to alleviate some of that pressure with continued hard work and I would actively work to expand court services.
Miller: I have developed what I want to call my three core values that I intend to operate my courtroom with. The first one is I intend to act just. Each day I intend to preside over the court to seek justice and to do what's fair for everybody to get a fair shot in the courtroom. My second core value is to promote resolution. Many people come into court and have a relationship with the opposing side, whether they were married to that person, they're neighbors or they have a contract relationship. What can I do to resolve those, that could be through counseling, through mediation, through different tools like that. My third core value is to serve humbly. What that means is I'm not going to be the most important person in the courtroom. I'm going to make sure that I operate within the rule of law, that I treat people fairly and with respect and I am going to require people in my courtroom to also treat each other respectfully.
Evan Weaver is a news and sports reporter at The Palladium-Item. Contact him on X (@evan_weaver7) or email at eweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Wayne County Primary Candidates answer questions before Tuesday's election
