Longtime Republican control of Kosciusko County government is getting its biggest test from Democrats in years. Although Republicans hold every office in county government, Demos have candidates running against incumbent Republicans for county council's three at-large seats, the lone commissioner's seat and three other offices. Here's a breakdown of the county races: Democrat John Bell faces Republican Brad Jackson, who defeated longtime commissioner Maurice Beer in the primary for the northern district seat, and recently picked up an endorsement from Beer. Bell, a retired manager from R.R.Donnelley, has warned that efforts to establish an economic development income tax will likely rise again.The tax has been proposed and defeated for three consecutive years. Bell is a member of the Taxpayers Action Network, one of the most vocal opponents of the tax.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016