The Starke County Council discussed making appointments to the park board during their meeting last week.
Two individuals interested in sitting on the park board were present to talk about their qualifications to the council and the public. It was noted one of the two seats needed to be a Republican and the other be a Democrat for the board to be balanced. Republican Kathy Norem was invited to speak on her qualifications and why she would like to be considered for one of the seats. She spoke of her term as a Starke County Commissioner and also about projects she had been part of during that time. She stated she was very proud of the Veterans Memorial built at the Starke County Courthouse on the southeast corner during her stint.
Starke County Council member Bruce Bennett added he has worked with Norem in the past. He stated the work they had done together during the 1990’s involving the hospital while he was a commissioner was integral in keeping its doors open.
Democrat Karl Swihart was then invited to speak on his qualifications and why he would like to be considered to be placed on the park board. He mentioned he had been on the park board in the past and is very involved with the town parks. He stated he runs several different sporting leagues at the parks and is wanting to be involved with projects the Starke County Park Board is working on.
Several Starke County Council members spoke in favor of approving both individuals to the park board. It was mentioned by council member Todd Leinbach he has known Norem for many years and believes both her and Swihart are the individuals to fill the available seats.
Council President Dave Pearman entertained a motion to approve either individual to the park board. Council member Bruce Bennett made a motion to approve Kathy Norem for the Republican seat. That motion was seconded by council member Anthony Tony Black. The council approved the appointment of Kathy Norem by vote with council member Cassandra Hine opposed.
Council President Dave Pearman then made a motion to approve Karl Swihart for the Democrat seat on the park board. That motion was seconded by council member Howard Bailey. The council approved the appointment of Karl Swihart by vote with council member Cassandra Hine opposed.
