WINONA LAKE – Theila “Tecy” Banta won the Republican caucus Tuesday night to become the new Winona Lake councilwoman for District 1.

After Kosciusko County GOP Chairman Mike Ragan announced her name, she said, “I appreciate your confidence. I am here to serve.”

Banta, 74, beat out Kearstin Criswell, 30, and James Zachary, 35, to replace Peter Christos, who resigned July 10, on the council. But the four precinct committeemen who made the decision said it was a tough choice.

“We just wanted to make sure that all three candidates knew that we felt like we had an exceptional group of people this time,” said precinct committeewoman Lynn Howie before Ragan announced the winner.

“This was a very difficult decision because ... each one of you had different strengths. Some of you had the same strengths, and you had all weaknesses but none of them were weaknesses that were critical in any way that would prevent you from being a good council member. So we felt like no matter what we decided in the end, Winona Lake was going to win.”

Howie thanked them for running and encouraged whoever didn’t win to be involved in the town and continue to contribute to Winona. “Because you all three have lots to offer,” she said.

Each candidate was given three minutes to speak before the precinct committeemen voted.

In her remarks, Banta said, “I chose to move here. Having grown up military, I knew that there were great people and wonderful things to see and do everywhere in this country. You’ll find me very patriotic. And Winona Lake is not surprisingly full of great people and wonderful things to do and see. You’ve created here, from the history and the need for meeting people’s needs in this community, with leisure activities and with art and music, you’ve created a wholesome place for people. That should continue, with an emphasis on preservation, financial responsibility, on inclusion of people knowing the community.”

Having taught at Lakeland Christian Academy, she said she’s been involved in many projects and met lots of people in the community. Currently, she works at the Baker Youth Club.

“Being effective is an important thing. Being prepared is an important thing. I’ve bothered to go through the minutes of this year to know what the issues are on the town council’s agenda and I’m impressed with the decisions that they’ve made,” she said.

Banta said it’s important to speak up and know that the town is meeting the needs of the people while being financially responsible.

“I certainly would not hesitate to question any expenditure for any advisement that’s made,” she said.

“I like to say that I live by grace, and that’s the college and by God’s grace,” she said, adding that she’s still involved with fifth- and sixth-graders at Warsaw Community Church where she attends.

“The only thing that I would choose to change about Winona Lake, if I had my druthers today, would be to have Winona Lake have the deer find another place to meet other than my front yard to chew up my landscape,” she joked.

“I appreciate this town and I’m here to serve.”