Longtime Republican control of Kosciusko County government is getting its biggest test from Democrats in years.

Although Republicans hold every office in county government, Demos have candidates running against incumbent Republicans for county council's three at-large seats, the lone commissioner's seat and three other offices.

Here's a breakdown of the county races:

Democrat John Bell faces Republican Brad Jackson, who defeated longtime commissioner Maurice Beer in the primary for the northern district seat, and recently picked up an endorsement from Beer.

Bell, a retired manager from R.R. Donnelley, has warned that efforts to establish an economic development income tax will likely rise again. The tax has been proposed and defeated for three consecutive years.

Bell is a member of the Taxpayers Action Network, one of the most vocal opponents of the tax.

Since almost all of the people who supported the measure are still in positions of power, Bell predicts the issue will rise again this winter.

EDIT, he said, is a matter of taxation, pure and simple.

"Working people already have enough taxation on them," Bell said.

Bell also opposes county funding to Kosciusko Development Inc., an arm of the Greater Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce that promotes industrial development. He contends the organization is illegal and doesn't deserve county funds.

Instead, he said, KDI should depend on private funding.

Jackson, 33, said he believes KDI also needs to get its status with the state straightened out before any more county money is approved. The organization apparently lost its status with the state six years ago after failing to file financial papers with the state.

Jackson opposes EDIT now - and probably in the future.

"With the situation we're in right now financially, I can't see that happening forever. We're in pretty good shape financially. We're kind of the envy of the rest of the state," Jackson said.

He said he'd like to see an advisory board look at long-term development in the county.

Jackson points out that just because he's associated with Jackson Builders, that doesn't mean he supports unbridled growth in the county.

"I'm not going in this as a builder to support my industry," Jackson said. "I'm going in this because of my interest in government."

Bell also said he wants to retain the current agricultural environment.

Jackson said he'd like to learn more about the need for jail expansion.

Republican council candidates are steeped in experience.

Tom Anglin has been on the council for 22 years. Lewis Bertsch has been on for eight years, and Kathryn Teel, of Mentone, has been on council for a dozen years.

Democrat candidates include Charles Cain, Dennis Lundgren and Rex Hogan. All three have adopted the Democrat party position against EDIT.

For the first time in more than 20 years, the Republican candidate for coroner is facing a challenge.

Alan Earl, 28, of Warsaw, is the first Democrat to run for the position in at least two decades.

He faces Larry Ladd, a deputy under coroner John Sadler, who is prevented by law from seeking another term.

In the race for treasurer, chief deputy clerk Stephanie Esenwein, a Republican, faces a challenge from Jason Haines.

Esenwein has worked in the office for seven years.

Haines is a manager at Wal-Mart and has five years of management experience.

In the race for clerk, incumbent Marsha McSherry faces a challenge from Democrat Margaret Brooks. McSherry worked in the office for eight years before being elected four years ago.

Brooks is the former clerk-treasurer in Milford and works part time for an accountant. [[In-content Ad]]