Local GOP Gathers For 'Hall Of Fame'

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Jennifer [email protected]

LEESBURG- More than 60 Republicans attended the Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame Dinner Wednesday night.

The Republican Central Committee sponsored the dinner at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club.

State Senators Dave Wolkins and Bill Ruppel spoke during the dinner about Gov. Mitch Daniel's property tax proposal and the importance of encouraging young voters to get involved in politics.[[In-content Ad]]Daniels proposed a plan Tuesday that his administration says will lower homeowner bills by about one-third on average statewide, Wolkins said. Some replacement revenue would come from raising the sales tax from 6 to 7 percent.

Wolkins said the plan would cap homeowner property taxes at 1 percent of a home's assessed value beginning in 2009, with limits of 2 percent for rental property and 3 percent for business property.

The state would assume the remaining 15 percent of school operating costs it doesn't pay for, school transportation costs and care for neglected, abused and delinquent children - all things largely funded by local property taxes.

The plan would provide about $3.1 billion in property tax relief, Wolkins said.

He said a person with a home worth $100,000 would pay no more than $1,000 starting in 2009.

Ruppel spoke about the importance of young adults getting involved in politics.

"We need to stand up for what we believe in and encourage our younger adults to run for office," Ruppel said.

Two Republicans received the Republican Hall of Fame Award. The award is given to Republicans who have contributed to the party over the years.

Recipients who received plaques included Ron Truex, Kosciusko County commissioner, and John Kinsey, Kosciusko County council member.

Allison McSherry, representing Congressman Mark Souder, spoke on behalf of Souder, who was unable to attend the dinner.

McSherry said Souder is in Washington, D.C., awaiting the House of Representatives to vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007. The act, if approved, would make it illegal for employers to fire or refuse to hire employees based on their sexual orientation. McSherry said Souder does not support the bill that is scheduled to be voted on next Friday.

Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins and city council at-large candidate Kyle Babcock encouraged voters to vote in the Nov. 6 general election.

The election is for Warsaw, Claypool and Silver Lake offices.

LEESBURG- More than 60 Republicans attended the Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame Dinner Wednesday night.

The Republican Central Committee sponsored the dinner at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club.

State Senators Dave Wolkins and Bill Ruppel spoke during the dinner about Gov. Mitch Daniel's property tax proposal and the importance of encouraging young voters to get involved in politics.[[In-content Ad]]Daniels proposed a plan Tuesday that his administration says will lower homeowner bills by about one-third on average statewide, Wolkins said. Some replacement revenue would come from raising the sales tax from 6 to 7 percent.

Wolkins said the plan would cap homeowner property taxes at 1 percent of a home's assessed value beginning in 2009, with limits of 2 percent for rental property and 3 percent for business property.

The state would assume the remaining 15 percent of school operating costs it doesn't pay for, school transportation costs and care for neglected, abused and delinquent children - all things largely funded by local property taxes.

The plan would provide about $3.1 billion in property tax relief, Wolkins said.

He said a person with a home worth $100,000 would pay no more than $1,000 starting in 2009.

Ruppel spoke about the importance of young adults getting involved in politics.

"We need to stand up for what we believe in and encourage our younger adults to run for office," Ruppel said.

Two Republicans received the Republican Hall of Fame Award. The award is given to Republicans who have contributed to the party over the years.

Recipients who received plaques included Ron Truex, Kosciusko County commissioner, and John Kinsey, Kosciusko County council member.

Allison McSherry, representing Congressman Mark Souder, spoke on behalf of Souder, who was unable to attend the dinner.

McSherry said Souder is in Washington, D.C., awaiting the House of Representatives to vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007. The act, if approved, would make it illegal for employers to fire or refuse to hire employees based on their sexual orientation. McSherry said Souder does not support the bill that is scheduled to be voted on next Friday.

Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins and city council at-large candidate Kyle Babcock encouraged voters to vote in the Nov. 6 general election.

The election is for Warsaw, Claypool and Silver Lake offices.

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

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