Ron Powers has attended his final regularly-scheduled meeting as a member of the Pulaski County Council. He’s retiring at the end of the month after two four-year terms, as is Pulaski County Sheriff Mike Gayer. Tensions between the two have frequently spilled over into meetings. Monday night Gayer set that aside. Continue reading
In Pulaski County Republican Jeff Richwine is the sheriff-elect. He beat Democrat Paul Grandstaff in the contest to replace Mike Gayer, who is retiring due to term limits. Republican Bud Krohn Jr. beat Democrat John Plowman in the county commissioners race. He will replace incumbent Tracey Shorter, who did not seek reelection. Neither did Democrat Councilman Ron Powers. His daughter Linda Powers beat Republican Pam Chumley in that race. Continue reading
The Pulaski County Commissioners and Pulaski County Council members met in joint session to clarify some questions that have arisen concerning the airport.
The issues that the council members discussed during their meeting last week was if Airport Manager Bud Wagner’s position with the county needs to be full time and about the revenue coming into the airport.
Pulaski County voters overwhelmingly supported a first-time candidate and two people who have previously held the offices they are seeking. Former state conservation officer Jeff Richwine was the runaway winner in the Republican sheriff’s primary. He got 1,064 votes to Brian Gaillard’s 444. Jeff Heims finished third with 323. Richwine will face former two-term sheriff Paul Grandstaff in the Nov. 4 General Election. He got 446 votes, and his challenger Jeff Jenkins pulled in 126. Grandstaff also served four years as a county commissioner after his term as sheriff ended. Continue reading
In a joint swearing ceremony, all candidates elected in the General Election in Pulaski County were sworn in by Circuit Court Judge, Michael Shurn, and Superior Court Judge, Patrick Blankenship.
One of those sworn into office was Tracey Shorter who will be the newest member of the Board of Commissioners on January 1st.
Besides being the first woman Commissioner in Pulaski County, she is also the youngest at age 42. Ted asked what prompted her to seek the office.
“I ran four years ago and the race was so close,” said Shorter. “Part of it was because there had never been a woman Commissioner and it became a goal of mine. I got sick and realized life is too short to wait so I ran. None of us knows what tomorrow holds. I’m excited. I think it shows a big win for the party but it also shows progress for our County as far as moving forward. I haven’t really done the background but I think not only am I the first woman, but I think I’m the youngest.”
Like all counties, Pulaski has its share of pressing issues that will need to be addressed in 2011.
“Zoning is a big issue, whether or not we keep the County Home open, keeping our budget balanced and not borrowing what we don’t have. All of those things are huge,” said Shorter.
The following were sworn into office: Ron Powers, Pulaski County Council District 3; Tasha Foerg, Pulaski County Clerk; Tom Roth, Pulaski County Council District 2; Stacey Mrak, Pulaski County Prosecutor; Michael “Mick” Tiede, Pulaski County Council District 4; Alex Haschel Pulaski County Council District 1; Joyce Weaver, Pulaski County Surveyor; Steve Van Der Aa, Pulaski County Coroner; Holly Van Der Aa, Pulaski County Assessor; Michael Gayer, Pulaski County Sheriff; and Tracey Shorter, County Commissioner District 3.
