Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
BRAD JACKSON
Brad Jackson's experience as president of T.L. Jackson Construction is a benefit to him as the northern district Kosciusko County commissioner, he said Wednesday in announcing his intention to run for re-election.
Jackson is completing his second term as commissioner and hopes to begin his third term next year.
Serving as one of the three commissioners is Jackson's first foray into public office. When asked what his biggest accomplishment has been so far, Jackson said, "It's hard to sum up," as a lot of the little things add up.
He said he believes he's been a good steward of the county's money. "I'm very conservative to my approach," he said.
Other accomplishments he cited included being part of the expansion of the work release center, which is a "for-profit expansion of the county," and the completion of the expansion and renovation of the Justice Building. The work release center allows offenders to continue working and supporting their families while making money for the county. And even though he wasn't totally in favor of the Justice Building expansion initially, he said, once he saw it was going to happen, he wanted to make sure it came in on time and under budget.
If re-elected, he said, his next four years will include the continued work on the Western Route Project, land use issues and making sure the county government is run as efficiently as possible.
"That's the way I think" in business and government, he said.
"My biggest asset I bring is I'm currently involved in a local business, so I have to work under the ordinances," Jackson said, and frequently has to work with the plan commission and the health deparment. He said he can bring that experience to the county government. His frugality and management abilities in the business world he also can carry over to the county government.
Along with his business background, his other qualifications include experience he gained in county government over the years.
Jackson, 41, and his wife, Tracy, have two children. A Syracuse resident, he's been a Kosciusko County resident for the past 24 years. He is a 1981 Wawasee High School graduate and received his management degree from Indiana University-Purdue.
RON TRUEX
Ron Truex, incumbent Kosciusko County middle district commissioner, announced his intention Tuesday afternoon to seek re-election.
He said he is running again because he really thinks he is making a contribution as commissioner and "I like what I am doing."
If re-elected, he said, his goals will be to continue working on the land development issues the county has been working on in the last four years.
While a commissioner, he said, he's learned just how little he knew about the county. "I learned so much about the inner workings about the county and ... how they all work to come together."
Asked what he thinks his biggest accomplishment has been to date while serving as commissioner, Truex said he couldn't say.
"I think we've accomplished a lot of things in different areas," he said.
Truex, 53, lives in Atwood with his wife, Mindy. He was born in Murphy Medical Center, Warsaw. A 1968 Warsaw High School graduate, he has two daughters and two grandchildren.
He just completed his 33rd year with Creighton Brothers, where he is the general manager.
