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Fresh, new ideas: That is the driving force behind Jon Fussle's decision to run for county council in the May 8 primaries. As a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, Fussle believes that it’s time for the community to embrace new perspectives and leadership to encourage the smart growth of Kosciusko County. Fussle said, “This county needs a small business incubator, an orthopedic hospital, much better planning and real and selfless leadership to make this the best place it can be for our citizens. “Two years ago, I started publicly stating that we need to diversify our economy here in Kosciusko County. Since then, we’ve lost over hundreds of jobs with more cuts on the way.” Fussle continued. “This isn’t just a bad economy we’re facing. We are facing a change that we must address. One way is a small business incubator where someone with a set of skills and an idea can get a business space, capital investment, a mentor and, with time, outgrow the incubator. “How can Warsaw be the ‘Orthopedic Capital of the World’ and we haven’t got an orthopedic hospital? This should have been a burning issue back in the ’80s and ’90s. If we are going to stop losing jobs to Memphis and Minneapolis, we need to cater to the orthopedic companies and give them more and more reasons to stay – and grow – in Kosciusko County,” he said.
Fussle said, “Take a look at Husky Trail versus U.S. 30. In the late ’70s, we could have paid for an overpass for $1 million, but we didn’t. Now we’re wasting millions in ‘fixing’ it and yet it’s got to be one of the most confusing intersections in the state. What about access roads along U.S. 30? Where is the plan for access roads that parallel U.S. 30 so that developers have access to all of the prime development properties in Kosciusko County? There isn’t one.” A fiscal conservative, Fussle said he understands the importance of keeping government spending as low as possible while ensuring county government is providing the best, most efficient services possible. “What this county needs is leadership with a fresh, new perspective,” he said. “We need leadership who is willing to think outside the box of their ‘elected duties’, someone who is willing to help the community with the problems with litter, meth and other issues and gives direction in how to make this a better place to live. What we need is an advocate who will evoke a change in behavior by getting his own hands dirty to encourage others to do the same.” As a candidate for county council, Fussle says he plans to do more than just campaign leading up to election day on May 8. “Leadership shouldn’t start when the campaign ends, it starts now. I can pick up trash on the side of the road as a citizen, and that road gets clean for now. However, as a candidate, I can use my campaign to draw attention to the problem, direct volunteers to problematic roads, and clean up multiple roads across the county. As an elected official, I can work with our clubs, schools, volunteers and other elected officials to help preserve our environment using resources within our community. I think if the folks who are responsible for littering see their family, friends and neighbors cleaning up after them, we may just be able to get through.” Fussle said, “I encourage voters to visit my website, www.jonfussle.com to learn more about my family and my vision for this community. We have unlimited volunteer opportunities within our campaign and we are hosting a countywide clean-up April 22.” Among their duties, the county council is responsible for approving county budgets, tax rates, appropriation requests and makes appointments to several boards. Fussle says his unique set of skills as a small business owner, professional pilot, and outside sales representative gives him a wide range of tools to bring to the council. He says he is excited for the opportunity to bring a new perspective to the community and begin a new generation of leadership in Kosciusko County. Fussle and his wife, Katye, are members of Warsaw Community Church and reside south of Warsaw.
