Joe Irwin will be the next District 2 Kosciusko County Councilman after a Republican caucus chose him over three other candidates Wednesday evening.
The seat on the council became vacant after the death of Mike Long on Feb. 27. Long had served since 2018 and his current term, which Irwin will finish out, expires Dec. 31, 2026.
The other three candidates were Mason Charlton, Mike Schafer and A. Renee Wilson. Each candidate was given three minutes to speak to the caucus in the old courtroom of the county courthouse. Charlton was unable to attend the caucus as he’s in Germany, but Warsaw Councilwoman Cindy Dobbins spoke on his behalf.
In his comments, Irwin said, “I am honored to stand before you today as a candidate for the District 2 Kosciusko County Council seat. It’s never easy to step into a role after the passing of your dedicated public servant. Mike Long’s contributions to our community were invaluable, and I hope to honor his legacy by continuing the good work he did for our county.”
He said he and Long shared the same passion for community and agriculture, two pillars who define who they are and what makes Kosciusko County special.
Irwin, 52, was born in Warsaw and grew up in Atwood on his family’s farm where he said he developed a deep appreciation for the community and its values.
“That appreciation turned into action 10 years ago when I joined the Atwood Lions Club. The Lions taught me the importance of serving the community and giving back to help others,” he said. “Today, I serve as the club’s president, as well as the vice chair of the Atwood Community Building.”
Six years ago, Irwin was appointed to the Kosciusko County Drainage Board “where I continue working to ensure responsible land and water management for our residents, as well as fiscal responsibility of the tax dollars put into all drains in our county,” he said.
Growing up in Kosciusko County, Irwin said he’s always been in awe of the growth that has taken place over the years.
“Our county has truly prospered, while still maintaining agriculture as a strong backbone,” he said. “With my lifelong background in agriculture, I will work with my constituents in the industry to find a balance between growth and preservation. I have seen first-hand the challenges and opportunities our county faces as we grow, while maintaining our rural roots. I believe we must strike a balance - one that allows for smart development without sacrificing the values and traditions that make our community unique.”
He believes in taking a common sense, conservative approach to government service.
“We must always remember to protect the interest of taxpayers who have entrusted us with their tax dollars, ensuring that we use those dollars wisely and effectively,” Irwin stated. “Fiscal responsibility is not just a talking point. It’s a commitment to making sure our local government operates effectively without unnecessary waste.”
If given an opportunity to serve on the council, he said he will collaborate with all branches of local government.
“I believe that through communication and creative problem solving, we can ensure Kosciusko County thrives, not just for today, but for generations to come,” he concluded.
After Kosciusko County Republican Party Central Committee Chair Mike Ragan announced Irwin will be the next District 2 councilman, Irwin said to the caucus and all those there, “I’d like to thank everybody for coming, and I’d like to thank all voting members. I know we had ... a lot of really good conversations, and anytime you want to have some more, give me a call. It was a lot of fun. Thanks again, everybody.”
Sixteen precinct committeemen and committeewomen were eligible to vote in the caucus and all of them - or their proxy - attended and voted in the caucus, according to Ragan.
In a brief interview afterward, Irwin said there already was a great group of county council men and women there and he was excited to join them and tackle any issues that might come up with the county. He said he’s already talked to most of the council members, except for Dave Wolkins, but Wolkins was in attendance at the caucus and Irwin planned to catch up with him.
On stepping into the shoes of Long, Irwin said, “Mike was a friend and neighbor of mine, and so it was a hard decision to do it, but I also felt like somebody in the ag industry needed to step in and fill those shoes that he did so well.”
Living in Atwood, he owns and operates a 2,400-acre grain farm.
On the proposed 554-acre proposed data center in the Clunette and Leesburg area, Irwin said he wasn’t ready to go there yet, but he was going to “follow it through.”
Long was the county council representative on the Area Plan Commission that will be asked to make a recommendation at 1 p.m. April 2 to the county commissioners on the rezoning of the 554 acres from agriculture to industrial-3. The council has not named Long’s replacement yet as their representative to the Area Plan Commission.