Former Kosciusko County Auditor and Assessor Sue Ann Mitchell is seeking the District 13 state senator seat in a caucus to replace current State Senator Robert L. Meeks.
The Indiana Republican Party will hold a caucus Saturday at 10 a.m. at Four County Area Vocation Cooperative, Kendallville, to determine who will fill Meeks' seat.Precinct committeemen and women will choose the person who will face Democrat Fred Demske on the November ballot.
Mitchell faces three other candidates: Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Howe; Rep. Matt Bell, R-Avilla; and former State Rep. Brad Fox.
Meeks, a LaGrange Republican, withdrew from the race because of health concerns, but will finish out his term this year, according to a press release.
Meeks has represented DeKalb, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben counties since 1988.
He chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations, which helps craft the multi-billion-dollar biennial budget for Indiana state government. Meeks also serves on the Natural Resources and Tax and Fiscal Policy committees.
Mitchell completed her term limit as county auditor in December. She ran for county treasurer in the May 6 primary and received the most votes.
If selected in the caucus as the District 13 State Senator candidate, she will not be allowed to run for office as county treasurer.
"I placed my name in nomination for the caucus to consider because I believe my years of experience in county government would be an asset in trying to address the issues that face us all today," Mitchell said.
She said she feels her experience in government will prepare her if she is selected for the District 13 seat.
Mitchell has served in various local government positions in Kosciusko County for the past 30 years. She held the positions of Tippecanoe Township deputy assessor/township clerk, Tippecanoe Township assessor, county assessor and was a special projects coordinator.
She served for more than 20 years as a precinct committee woman and as a delegate to the state convention.
Mitchell currently serves as the secretary/treasurer of the Kosciusko County Republican Women's Club.
"Having served in a lake community, I understand the issues of lake property ownership and the impact laws and state agencies can have on making lake ownership a positive experience," Mitchell said.
She served as a volunteer emergency medical technician for 15 years.
Mitchell received the North Webster Emergency Medical Technician of the year award in 1983 and 1984 and the Kosciusko County Emergency Medical Technician of the Year Award presented by the Warsaw Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1984.
In 1990 she received the North Webster Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year Award." She said she has followed the legislature during her years serving in county government and while serving as an EMT.
Mitchell said she has attended many hearings, written letters, and stood outside chambers waiting to speak to senators and representatives on major issues affecting taxpayers and local government.
