Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Five candidates from the town's political District 1 were interviewed for the council vacancy left by John Boal's resignation last month.
Joy Lohse was selected to fill the position after introductions and interviews, and two rounds of voting.
Candidates included Philip Hood, Stephen McGlothin, Judy Mugg and David Turner.
Kosciusko County Republican Chairman Mike Gavin explained the selection process, introducing caucus members Dave Wolkins, Janice Workman and Wayne Snyder. Gavin said the voting could take as many as five rounds. If there was a sixth round of voting he would select the next council member.
Three minute introductions were allowed each candidate, followed by questions from caucus members.
Wolkins asked each candidate their thoughts on public verses private issues, specifically recent council decisions to declare eminent domain at 800 N. Park Ave. and the lawsuit involving the town and the Winona Lake Lions Club building in a town easement.
Lohse said she attended the council meetings about the Lions Club and came away with the feeling that there were a lot of grey areas.
"My view was if the LeMasters legally own the property it should be theirs, if not ... issues have to get to a real black and white point. I thought I received a muddled explanation."
About recent ordinances restricting trailer parking, she said the limitations keep the streets looking clean and traffic smooth.
Lohse said she would bring a sense of logic and creativity to the council. "People in the community want an ear, a middle person, to help them communicate. There are a lot of people to look out for and to look after in the community."
Lohse said she walks around town regularly and takes great pride in the changes she's seen since moving to Winona Lake eight years ago.
"The council has done a fantastic job allowing steady growth. My interest is to keep the community growing at a steady pace. When I walk through town I think about how the Village and [Grace] college are marketed and about how tax dollars are used."
Originally from Fort Wayne, Lohse said her siblings and parents still live in the Summit City.
"I take great pride in what's going on. Fort Wayne is nice, but this town is a gem."
Lohse is the marketing director and public relations director at Kosciusko Community Hospital. She lives at 2402 E. Winona Ave. and is single.
After the second round of votes, when Wolkins announced that Lohse won, she shook the hand of each caucus member, thanking them.
"I'll do a good job," she said, "I promise."
Lohse will be sworn in at the next council meeting, Dec. 28 at 7 a.m.
Boal joined the council in September 2003. He was the only candidate to apply for the position and was appointed by Gavin. Boal recently moved out of District 1 to another district in Winona Lake. Boal replaced Craig Snow, who was elected to the office in 2002. Snow also moved from the district, to Warsaw, in August 2003.
