Etna Employee Picked As New Town Councilman

ETNA GREEN - Out of a field of four candidates, Andrew L. Cook, 327 E. High St., was chosen as the newest member of the Etna Green Town Council.He was notified Friday afternoon by Kosciusko County Republican Chairman Randy Girod. Cook serves as the town's wastewater and street superintendent. Cook also previously served on the town council from 1992 to 2000, then from 2002 to 2006. He acknowledged that several people in Etna Green expressed concern over a town employee serving on the board. This is not the only case of that in Kosciusko County. Pierceton police officer Jim Bumbaugh also serves on that town's council. "I've got the experience. I've done the job before," said Cook. Cook also acknowledged that calls were made to precinct commiteeman Joe Mooney about a perceived conflict of interest. "I've never voted for raises before. I can't do it now. I'll have to exclude myself in pertaining to compensation for employees," said Cook. Since Etna Green only has Mooney as a precinct commiteeman, a caucus wasn't held but instead Mooney chose the replacement. Cook fills the vacancy left by Todd Slabaugh, who resigned earlier this month citing personal reasons. Cook will fill out the rest of Slabaugh's term, which has three years on nine months left. The other candidates who filed were: - Keith A. Robbins, 607 N. Pearl St., Etna Green. - Shawn Collins, 425 N. Walnut St., Etna Green. - Brandon A. Garey, 206 W. Railroad St., Etna Green.