New Winona Council President Looks Forward To Serving
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
WINONA LAKE - Terry Howie is looking forward to serving Winona Lake's residents in his position as the newly elected Winona Lake Town Council president.
Howie was elected president during the council's Jan. 12 meeting, replacing former president Joy Lohse who remains as a council member. Jim Lancaster was elected vice president. Other town council members include Randy Swanson and Sue Gooding.Howie will serve on the council until January 2010 when a new election of officers takes place. He said he looks forward to continuing the council's work and has goals as president.
Howie, a Winona Lake resident since 1964, served as a police officer for the town for 25 years and served as town marshal from 1990 to 1995. He has owned and operated his own business, Howie Heating and Cooling, since 1972.
He earned a bachelor's degree in 1968 from Grace College, and worked for the college in 1964 in the custodial department. He left the college and worked at Robinson's Supermarket, Warsaw Locker Plant, Ditto's Supermarket as a meat department manager, and Duane Gable's housing construction.
He said serving in these capacities in the community allowed him to get to know the town and its people.
"I've seen the town change, Grace College and the Village at Winona grow, and as the town grew it gave incentive for residents to improve their homes," Howie said.
He said the partnership between the town and Dane and Mary Louise Miller and Brent Wilcoxson, managing director for the Village at Winona, has had a very positive influence on the town.
He said his goals as president are to look into improving Stonehenge Addition streets; updating the town's Web site; and he would like to see the town bring back its sidewalk improvement program.
He also said he would like to create an interest in town residents in coming to meetings to voice their concerns.
"I value our resident's input, and want them to know they can come to me or the council with their ideas, concerns and kudos," Howie said.
Howie admits he may not always have an answer, but he values others' input.
Howie said he feels it is important that government have transparency so residents are not afraid to voice their concerns and know the town's business.
He said he looks forward to continuing to work with the council.
He said one of the council's biggest concerns is the governor and national representatives speaking of fiscal problems.
"We, as a council, need to look at all of the issues and make sure the decisions we do make are in the best interest of the town's people because we are working with their tax dollars," Howie said.
