Rick Swaim resigned from the Winona Lake Town Council on Monday, effective today, Tuesday, Oct. 1.
In a telephone conversation, Swaim said there was nothing wrong and nothing happened untoward. He’s served on the council for eight years and nine months and wanted to pursue other challenges.
Swaim said he appreciates Town Manager Craig Allebach, Council President Jim Lancaster and everyone else who has supported him and he’s formed relationships with during the time he’s served on the council.
Swaim, who retired from Warsaw Community Schools in 2015, was elected to the council when he ran for the Ward 5 seat after former Winona Lake Councilman Randy Swanson left the area. During his tenure, Swaim has served about four of his years as council president.
There are about two years left in Swaim’s current term.
Kosciusko County Republican Party Central Committee Chairman Mike Ragan confirmed the Republican caucus to replace Swaim will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Winona Lake Town Hall.
The next council person will be elected by secret ballot of the majority of the voting caucus members to fill the office vacancy. There are five precinct committee persons eligible to vote in the caucus, Ragan said.
Candidates must reside in Winona Lake Ward 5 and be a Republican in good standing.
Eligible candidates will be allowed a maximum of three minutes to address the voting caucus.
Declarations of candidacy for the town council seat are available at the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Circuit Court, 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw, and must be filed with Ragan no later than 6 p.m. Oct. 18. Ragan’s telephone number is 574-265-1430.