Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Bob Conley officially filed his candidacy for southern district commissioner Feb. 20 and, because there were no objections to this late declaration, his name will appear on the May 2 primary ballot.
Conley presented himself along with paperwork required for the forms at the clerk's counter Feb. 14, well before the Feb. 17 noon deadline to file for office.
He presented a statement of organization and designation of principle committee, which was necessary to file, and not the declaration of candidacy form. No one asked if his declaration of candidacy form was filed.
Conley figured the committee form was all that was needed and learned later on Feb. 17 that he wasn't a candidate.
Following a series of telephone calls and conferences, Conley was advised by election board member Tom Lemon to file Feb. 20.
Because there were no challenges to his filing for candidacy, he is on the ballot for southern district commissioner, according to County Clerk Sharon Christner. Christner, Lemon and Mike Miner make up the three-member election board.
"It's nice to know the system works," Conley said of the mix-up.
Conley, 55, is a Claypool native. He owns and operates two barber shops, one in Mentone and one in Warsaw.
On the Republican ticket, he will face incumbent and fellow Claypool residents Avis Gunter and Christy Carpenter.
He sees the commissioner's seat as an extension of the community services he's always provided.
"I'm new to what we call 'politics.' My definition of 'politics' is a way of saying, 'Let me serve you.'
"I've been involved in the community for many years and, after much thought and consideration, I've decided I have the experience, knowledge, desire and time to dedicate toward representing Kosciusko County residents' best interests."
Conley has served as a sheriff's reserve officer for the last 34 years and is familiar with the county.
"I feel the redevelopment commission is a very good move. The people chosen to serve on it have impeccable credentials and they will move the process forward. Eighty percent of our taxes are paid to the schools. I feel we need to show a fiduciary responsibility to local residents as well as to future generations."
Conley grew up on a farm and said it was an eye-opening experience.
"Farm land needs to be protected," he said, "Without the farmer we might be in the same position the Middle East is in ... I don't think sand can be digested too well."
Conley said the possible construction of the Louis Dreyfus soybean processing plant, south of Claypool, may prove to be the U.S. 30 of the times.
"At one time, U.S. 30 went through downtown Warsaw. Could you imagine that happening today? We need to look to the future. It can be argued that an Ind. 15 bypass around the west side of Warsaw is needed. If the money is available, I would be in favor of that project.
"Keeping an eye on roads and traffic is very important. Our intersections need updated, especially in high-accident or heavily used areas. Country Club Road and County Farm Road from CR 200S into Warsaw are in dire need of attention."
He complimented the county highway department on their work and for working within its means, but his goal is to see all county roads given the same attention as the highways so commuters can drive safely without having to swerve to miss potholes.
Conley said he and his sons operated a seal-coating business for a number of years, contracting with large corporations, small businesses and individual property owners.
He attended Claypool School until 1966, then graduated Warsaw Community High School in 1969.
After attending National Barber College in Indianapolis, he apprenticed under barber Frank Bauer in Columbia City.
Robert and his wife, Sue, have three children. The couple are members of Redeemer Lutheran Church where he currently serves as an elder. He is a member of the Baker Youth Clubs' board of directors.
