Two men so far - Mac Silveus and Ernie Wiggins - are in contention for the Warsaw mayor's office when Jeff Plank leaves in March.

As of this morning, Wiggins had already filed his application with Kosciusko County Auditor Charlene Knispel, who is the secretary of the county's Republican party.

Silveus had not yet filed, but said he intends to.

Plank announced Friday afternoon that he will leave in March to take a job in the private sector. His date of leaving will be either March 1 or March 14, he said, depending on how smoothly the transition goes with his successor.

A Republican caucus that will choose Plank's replacement will meet Jan. 30.

Silveus said today that he's sorry Plank is leaving, but "I'm definitely interested in replacing Jeff."

Both men said city priorities include building a second sewage treatment plant.

Silveus said he thought a new city building is necessary, since the current building is almost outgrown.

"My interest other than that is rejuvenation of the downtown area, which we started. I think the heartbeat of any community is the downtown," Silveus said.

Wiggins said his concern is "maintaining a stable tax rate and being able to provide the services that city residents need.

"Coming from a financial background," Wiggins said, "I think we need to maintain fiscal responsibility."

Both men said city departments are running smoothly and, as mayor, would not rush into personnel changes.

"Right now I wouldn't envision any major changes," Wiggins said. "At this point in time I think anyone would be foolish to change anyone."

"I wouldn't suggest any changes at all," Silveus said. "From what I see now, I wouldn't want to see any changes."

Knispel said she plans to mail letters to all the Warsaw precinct committeemen today; if so, the committeemen caucus will be held in 10 days, or on Jan. 30. Candidates must file no later than 72 hours before the caucus, so the deadline for filing is tentatively set at Jan. 27. [[In-content Ad]]