Ron Truex wanted to round out a 20-year tenure as a Kosciusko County Commissioner when his current term concluded in three years, but a chance to move into a cherished family farmhouse got in the way.

The middle district commissioner officially resigned Thursday, two days after learning he and his wife had unknowingly moved out of the middle commissioner district, just over the line and into the southern district.

The change in residence happened in July when the couple moved five miles to a farmhouse built by his wife’s grandfather on Crystal Lake Road just west of Warsaw.

The home is located in the very middle of the county. Years ago, the three commissioner districts were stacked, but those have been adjusted over the years to achieve population balance between the districts. As a result, the southern district now includes property west of Warsaw.

Truex said it never crossed his mind to check.

The issue came to his attention last weekend and he was informed on Tuesday by Kosciusko County Republican Chair Mike Ragan that he could no longer represent the district and would need to resign.

The 67-year-old president of Creighton Brothers had already said he did not plan to run again, but still, Thursday’s resignation was not the true exit he had hoped for.

“Don’t ever let people tell you an inch or two doesn’t make a difference,” Truex said. “It makes a huge difference.”



[[In-content Ad]]

With nothing to contest, Truex quickly decided to resign and he made it official Thursday in a short address at the county council meeting.

He offered no excuses for the oversight, telling council members,  “Rules are rules.”

Ragan announced Thursday plans to conduct a Republican caucus at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at the courthouse. The deadline to submit paperwork to run in the caucus will be at  7 p.m. Nov. 5.

Truex got into politics behind the scenes several decades ago when he managed Al Rovenstine’s and Ron Robinson’s campaigns for sheriff and helped with Eddie Creighton’s campaigns for commissioner.

He decided to run his own campaign 18 years ago when Creighton chose to retire as the middle commissioner.

He faced three opponents in the primary including George Klinger, Tony Miller and Herschel Rainwater and went on to be re-elected four more times with minimal opposition.

The lead-up to Thursday night’s resignation turned into an emotional roller coaster for Truex after he began telling people of his intentions. He said he received many calls wishing him luck and grousing over the circumstances.  

One of the highlights yesterday came from a call from a woman who had attended his first swearing-in ceremony as commissioner and was there mainly to voice opposition to a controversial proposal to build a western corridor scheduled for later in the meeting.

Chris Garza met Truex at the meeting and offered her a spot on a committee that would look into the matter. Eventually, the plan died.

On Thursday, Truex said she called to express appreciation for how he respected her concerns. The fact that she remembered the moment was “amazing,” Truex said.

“I really didn’t think people noticed,” he said.

Truex continued that type of engagement, fighting for issues he thought were right while never worrying about getting re-elected.

Truex recalls facing tough decisions on a Milford industrial park request, the corridor and the use of roundabouts.

He might be best remembered for his pitch to County Council in support of establishing a wheel tax. The tax is credited with helping improve county road conditions in recent years, and came without any political fallout. Truex was unopposed in his last two election.

Numerous community leaders attended Thursday’s announcement in the old courtroom. Truex’s address was short and to the point.

He thanked his longtime supporters.

“It’s been an honor to serve this county. It’s been a privilege to work with the elected officials and all the other employees,” he said.

“God has blessed me in a lot of ways and I’m truely excited to see what he has planned for me,” he said.

He was greeted with a standing ovation and words of appreciation afterward.

Ragan said he regretted the circumstances but thanked Truex for his service, as did County Council President Jon Garber.

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer said Truex’s leadership on economic development and transportation issues were inspiring.

“I look back and hope everyone understands how critical his leadership has been for this community. Thank you,” Thallemer said.