Zachary Seeks Winona Council Seat

January 15, 2019 at 5:44 p.m.
Zachary Seeks Winona Council Seat
Zachary Seeks Winona Council Seat


The day before Jim Zachary filed last week to run in the Republican primary for Winona Lake Town Council Ward 1, eight people called him to make sure he did.

“(I was) mostly encouraged by other elected officials and mentors of mine” to run, he said in an interview Monday.

Zachary, 36, grew up in Warsaw, graduating from Warsaw Community High School in 2000, but has lived in Winona Lake the past 14 years. He has worked at Zimmer Biomet for over 15 years.

“I have been interested in local government for as long as I can remember, but I’m at a point in my life now where I am able to give back what I have received as a town resident. This will be the first time my name has been on any ballot and it would be a pleasure to serve my favorite town in the county,” he said in a news release he provided.

Zachary did throw his name in the hat for the Ward 1 seat in a caucus after Peter Christos resigned in July 2017. In August 2017, the caucus chose Theila “Tecy” Banta over Zachary and Kearstin Criswell. Banta has filed for re-election. Zachary said he expects the May primary to be as cordial as the 2017 caucus.

“This is the first time I’ve done this, but I only expect it to be positive,” he said.

The most important thing for him, he said, is to maintain Winona Lake’s financial position as it has no debt. He said he wants the council to continue to be smart with taxpayer dollars.

In his press release, he said, “As a councilperson I would not be afraid to question what we are doing at any time. The current financial situation in Winona Lake is very good and must be preserved. Part of this responsibility is also reinvesting into the community. I want to see as many tax dollars the council has to spend to go back to Winona Lake people, businesses and contractors. As a councilperson I would ensure that happens.”

Anyone who has attended council meetings over the past couple of years probably will recognize Zachary’s face. He has been attending council meetings for a couple of years and frequently discusses them with council members to gain insight on what the job is all about.

“I have become familiar with issues residents bring to the council and challenges the council faces,” Zachary said.

He started getting involved in the community politically by accepting an appointment for a vacant precinct committeeman position and working the last couple of elections in Winona Lake.

“This has been a great learning experience. Many people have encouraged me to take this next step,”?he said.

Zachary believes he can bring a new perspective to the council.

“I think someone my age would be valuable. A point of view from every generation would be good,” he said.

His press release concludes by stating he is proud to live in Winona Lake and that he would like the opportunity “to make as many people as possible feel the same way.”

The day before Jim Zachary filed last week to run in the Republican primary for Winona Lake Town Council Ward 1, eight people called him to make sure he did.

“(I was) mostly encouraged by other elected officials and mentors of mine” to run, he said in an interview Monday.

Zachary, 36, grew up in Warsaw, graduating from Warsaw Community High School in 2000, but has lived in Winona Lake the past 14 years. He has worked at Zimmer Biomet for over 15 years.

“I have been interested in local government for as long as I can remember, but I’m at a point in my life now where I am able to give back what I have received as a town resident. This will be the first time my name has been on any ballot and it would be a pleasure to serve my favorite town in the county,” he said in a news release he provided.

Zachary did throw his name in the hat for the Ward 1 seat in a caucus after Peter Christos resigned in July 2017. In August 2017, the caucus chose Theila “Tecy” Banta over Zachary and Kearstin Criswell. Banta has filed for re-election. Zachary said he expects the May primary to be as cordial as the 2017 caucus.

“This is the first time I’ve done this, but I only expect it to be positive,” he said.

The most important thing for him, he said, is to maintain Winona Lake’s financial position as it has no debt. He said he wants the council to continue to be smart with taxpayer dollars.

In his press release, he said, “As a councilperson I would not be afraid to question what we are doing at any time. The current financial situation in Winona Lake is very good and must be preserved. Part of this responsibility is also reinvesting into the community. I want to see as many tax dollars the council has to spend to go back to Winona Lake people, businesses and contractors. As a councilperson I would ensure that happens.”

Anyone who has attended council meetings over the past couple of years probably will recognize Zachary’s face. He has been attending council meetings for a couple of years and frequently discusses them with council members to gain insight on what the job is all about.

“I have become familiar with issues residents bring to the council and challenges the council faces,” Zachary said.

He started getting involved in the community politically by accepting an appointment for a vacant precinct committeeman position and working the last couple of elections in Winona Lake.

“This has been a great learning experience. Many people have encouraged me to take this next step,”?he said.

Zachary believes he can bring a new perspective to the council.

“I think someone my age would be valuable. A point of view from every generation would be good,” he said.

His press release concludes by stating he is proud to live in Winona Lake and that he would like the opportunity “to make as many people as possible feel the same way.”
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