Craig J. Allebach, 1605 Fisher Ave., Warsaw, is a candidate for the mayor's office of Warsaw. He is challenging Ernie Wiggins, who has held the post since 1997.

Allebach and his wife, Carol, a fourth-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, have two children, C.J., 23, and Cara, 20. Allebach is the Winona Lake town coordinator.

Born July 23, 1954, Allebach's memberships include Kosciusko Development Inc., Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, Indiana Association of Cities and Town, Indiana Municipal Management Association, FBI National Academy Associates of Indiana past president, Warsaw Breakfast Optimist, past board member.

Also, Family Advocacy Center Task Force, grant administrator for Center of Hope, Kosciusko Leadership Academy, Warsaw Community Schools Board of Trustees and Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church and Youth Commission.

Jogging, playing basketball and working with new technology are his hobbies.

"I believe I offer Warsaw a choice that brings a difference," Allebach wrote in response to the Times-Union's candidate questionnaire. "My civic passion, public service experience and dedication to duty highlight a history that will bring new energy and leadership to our city.

"I'm energized to see our great city strengthen its systems and service and allow people and commerce to enjoy the great living experience that is Warsaw. There's a tradition of good living here and I want to be a part of working with others to make it even better.

"I served the people of Warsaw as a police officer and as chief of police for 11 years. For the past three years I have continued to hone my management skills as town coordinator for Winona Lake. I am a member of the Winona Lake Plan Commission.

"I continue my interest in education by serving on the Warsaw Community Schools Board of Trustees. I have held that position for 10 years, the last five as president.

"In 2002, I was a Republican precinct committeeman.

"The completion of the second wastewater treatment facility is vital because this is necessary to provide Warsaw the infrastructure for future growth. Fines, costs and cleanup the city will incur from the recent violations at the wastewater treatment plant is a real concern. The efficient management and operation of our wastewater treatment facilities will be an integral part of the resolution of the treatment facility.

"The revitalization of Warsaw's downtown is another concern as we work through the HyettPalma Warsaw Downtown Action Agenda. It's important that we improve the quality of life in the downtown area. We have a great asset in downtown Warsaw and we need to find the best way to take advantage of it for the benefit of all of our residents. The future of City Hall and its location is an issue included in that study.

"Economic development is the lifeblood of our community and therefore economic growth and job creation must continue to increase and will be a priority of my administration. The continued budget constraints caused by Indiana's current financial crisis will continue to play a role in local fiscal matters and further necessitate the need for strategic economic growth.

"Another concern to me is the many empty buildings on the east side of Warsaw. A new emphasis must be placed on getting these places filled with viable commerce. Traffic safety, a viable traffic safety plan and having better traffic flow in Warsaw is of interest to most residents. I want to move swiftly on these issues.

"If elected, I intend to resign my positions as school board member and town coordinator on or before Dec. 31, 2003, in order to devote my time to being a full-time mayor.

"I am very familiar with city government because of my role as a department head for one of the city's largest departments, the Warsaw Police Department. As Town Coordinator at Winona Lake, I have gained a wide variety of experience in working with the plan commission, the building commissioner and the departments of park, street, wastewater, police and fire. In addition, I continue to write and administer grants for Winona Lake as well as other organizations in Kosciusko County.

"My goal is to improve government communication and community interaction. I plan to meet regularly with city residents and Warsaw businesses to assess their needs and concerns. I will listen to city employees in an effort to improve the efficiency of delivering city services.

"I will be proactive in issues of Homeland Security and public safety for our community. I want to help in promoting the vitality of our commercial centers. The promotion and marketing of special events for the downtown and other commercial centers is an area the office of mayor can play a supporting role.

"I want Warsaw to be known as a city that pursues a pattern of steady growth based on a foundation of fiscal responsibility. In many ways that can be accomplished with a blend of public and private funding to manage the city more efficiently.

"Finally, we are a community of persons and neighborhoods. I want to build on that long tradition and continue to pursue a course that seeks to make Warsaw a great place to live and work." [[In-content Ad]]