County Dem Chair Blames Claypool Clerk for At-Risk Seat
Posted
Daniel Riordan-driordan@timesuniononline.com
CLAYPOOL – Kosciusko County Democratic Chairman Terry Bartley is upset that a clerical error may cost county Democrats a seat on the Claypool Town Council.
An ordinance that was passed by the Claypool Town Council in 2002 set voting districts for the town.
The idea was to create northern, middle and southern districts for Claypool and voters would cast their ballots for representatives in their district.
But the proper paperwork was never sent to the Kosciusko County Clerk’s office.
Then in 2010, the town council passed an amendment to the ordinance that never passed.
In 2007, Claypool held an election with at-large candidates. County Clerk Jason McSherry noted that no complaints were levied by voters, candidates or county party chairmen because of Claypool’s at-large election.
Now, Bartley said, today’s at-large election will hurt Democrats.
If Claypool were to vote in districts, at least one Democrat would be elected.
According to Bartley, Thomas Burnworth (D) would be running unopposed in the southern district.
Now Burnworth will appear on a ballot with Donald Miller (R), Niki Miller (D) and David Dills (L). Claypool residents will choose three of the four.
Since two Democrats are running, at least one will end up on the council.
The deadline to change the way Claypool votes was Nov. 8, 2010.
According to the Kosciusko County Clerk’s office, Claypool’s paperwork wasn’t received and filed until Friday.
So unless the town council passes another ordinance, the town can vote with districts in 2015.
Claypool is the only town of its relative size that would have districts for voting.
Bartley blamed current Claypool Clerk-Treasurer Arlene Leiter.
“Due to her incompetence once again, the Democrats stand to lose a seat over this. It’s an injustice to democracy,” said Bartley.
Claypool is electing a new clerk-treasurer today, too.
Paul Berkey (R), Tricia Marino (D) and Miccah L. Shepherd (L) are vying for the clerk-treasurer’s office.
Attempts to contact the Claypool clerk-treasurer’s office were unsuccessful.
