Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD -ÊAfter a count, recount and then a third count of the ballots, Robert Phillips was named the Republican candidate for the Milford town council at the Republican Convention Wednesday.
Phillips won over Deb Patterson by a count of 32 to 16.
The candidates were given five minutes apiece to speak. Phillips said he served previously on the town council from 1988 to 1992, three years as president.
"I have a few things I would like to see happen in the next four years," he said.
He said he would like to have another park within the town limits, and he wants the sidewalk program, curb and street beautification programs continued.
"As you look around town, you'd have to be hard pressed not to say this is a beautiful town," Phillips said.
He said he wants to work with area businesses to try to "fill up the empty buildings" downtown and revitalize the downtown area. He'd also like to see a fall festival, much like Milfordfest, begin.
"As far as the department heads go, I can't say enough good of what I've seen," he said. He wants to make sure they continue to get the right tools to continue their good work, he said.
Patterson said she has lived in Milford for 16 years and has worked in the town for 21 years. She is the mother of four children and works at an area newspaper.
"I decided to run for town council because I thought there were some changes I would like to see made," she said.
She said she has a mind of her own and wouldn't be influenced by anyone but would listen to ideas.
Political parties in towns with populations of 3,500 or less must hold a convention when two of their members run for the same position. In Milford, Phillips and Patterson were the only two Republicans competing for the same position.
To be eligible to vote at Wednesday's convention, participants had to be registered voters and residents of Milford, within the city limits. They also must have voted as Republicans at last year's election. No nominations were allowed from the floor at the convention and only persons who filed for candidacy were considered candidates.
