After 13 years as mayor of Warsaw, Jeff Plank Friday announced his decision to leave public office and join the private sector.

Plank and his wife Jo met with the city's department heads at 1 p.m. Friday to make the announcement. He said he has accepted a position to join Instrumedical Technologies Inc., a private firm in Warsaw.

He gave nothing specific as the reason for his decision, but said that "the time was right."

Details about his new position were sparse, but he said it would be similar to what he does now, only he would be doing it for the private sector. Plank said, "It's going to afford me an opportunity to share in a good opportunity for creativity and growth."

He also said the new job, while good for him economically, would allow him to spend more time with his family, which is his priority.

"It's right for my family because I feel we all have paid our dues," he said. "We feel sincerely it would be nice to spend some time outside the fishbowl. ... I'm looking forward to the concept of 'mayor today, just me tomorrow.' "

He is confident the transition will be as smooth as he can make it, mostly because the core city leadership will remain unchanged.

"I have placed myself in a position so that I am the only major change in the transition process," he said. "The time is right because the dedication and expertise of city employees have given me the confidence to move on."

His successor will be chosen in the next few weeks by the Republican precinct committeeman caucus. Mike Miner, Republican county chairman, said today he will announce the caucus date next week. Until the successor is chosen, the field is open to anyone living within Warsaw city limits who files an application form with the Republican committee secretary, county auditor Charlene Knispel. (See box for details.)

Plank said he spoke to city councilmen Mac Silveus and Ernie Wiggins about serving the remainder of his term. If either is appointed by the Republican caucus, that would leave a vacancy on the city council.

Warsaw plan commission member Dr. Joseph Thallemer has expressed an interest in replacing Silveus on the council, Plank said, but no one from Wiggin's third district has come forward yet. If Thallemer became a councilman, his plan commission seat could be filled by high school teacher Jeff Grose, who has told Plank he would be willing to serve.

Plank said he would not lobby on anyone's behalf.

While he will no longer be directly involved in city politics, he said, "Jo and I are not divorcing ourselves from the city."

They plan to be involved in various area organizations, become more active in the county's Republican party and in their church, and will both be involved in his new job.

Jo said the decision has brought on a feeling for the family almost like freedom or relief.

"Public service and living in the public eye can be very trying at times," she said. "But there are also people that I will miss dreadfully."

As mayor, Plank said, no two days in office are ever the same. "Sometimes you're a goat, sometimes you're a godfather," he said. "I will miss a lot of things, but I won't worry." [[In-content Ad]]