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Kosciusko County Assessor Sue Ann Mitchell intended to seek another term as assessor, but changed her mind a week ago and will run for auditor.
Mitchell originally filed a declaration form to run for re-election as assessor, but was persuaded to seek the auditor's office after Charlene Knispel chose not seek another term.
Decisions involving Mitchell and her chief deputy, Sharon Thompson, were made just one week before Friday's filing deadline.
"Quite frankly, it all came about so quickly because Sharon and I didn't decide until about 3:30 Friday that this is exactly what we wanted to do," said Mitchell in a phone interview from Virginia Beach, Va., where she attended a week-long computer training seminar for programs involving assessing.
"It became obvious that nobody was going to take the bull by the horns," Mitchell said.
Mitchell filed to run for assessor on Feb. 10.
But three days later, after receiving a wide range of support from Republican leaders and colleagues, Mitchell said, she decided to withdraw her original plans and file for auditor.
A key factor in her decision was Thompson's willingness to run for assessor. Thompson has 20 years' experience in the office.
Thompson said she and other office staff encouraged Mitchell to make the move.
Both Mitchell and Thompson are unopposed in the primary and currently face no opposition in the fall election.
Knispel was elected four years ago, but auditor's terms begin one year after the election in Indiana. Her term expires at the end of 1999.
Knispel said she's known for a while she didn't want to pursue another term in office. She said she wants to spend more time with her family, do some traveling and offer some volunteer work.
"I just think it's time. I've given 28 years of service to the county," Knispel said.
Knispel and Mitchell have been longtime friends and spent much of their careers in government as township assessors.
Knispel worked in Turkey Creek Township since 1972 and served as township assessor from 1982 until she became county auditor three years ago.
Mitchell worked in the Tippecanoe Township office prior to being elected to the county post three years ago and has worked in public reassessment since 1976.
Knispel said she believes Mitchell will do a good job.
County Commissioner Avis Gunter, a former county assessor, said both women are well qualified for the posts they seek.
She said Mitchell is ready for the step up. As for Thompson, she said: "With Sharon running for county assessor, I don't know how much more qualified you can get than that."
Knispel said she will seek to employ Mitchell in her office next year as part of the transition. She said she would request the additional position from county council.
Mitchell said she's seriously considered running for auditor for several years, but said she would have had no interest in the job if Knispel had filed.
