Retha Hicks has announced her candidacy for the Indiana State Representative District 18 seat.
Hicks said she filed for the seat Thursday morning.
Hicks (R-Winona Lake) currently serves as clerk-treasurer for Winona Lake, holding the position since 1993.
Hicks faces current District 18 State Representative Dave Wolkins.District 18 represents portions of Kosciusko, Elkhart and LaGrange counties.
The deadline to file for political office is Feb. 19.
The primary election will be May 4, and those wanting to vote have until April 5 to register.
Hicks obtained Indiana Accredited Municipal Clerk status in 1998 and Master Municipal Clerk certification in 2006.
She said she has planned and implemented numerous progressive applications and programs that have resulted in government efficiencies and cost savings.
She instituted cost center analysis in the clerk-treasurer office, fixed assets program, electronic accounting, capital budget, investment program and a six-month cash balance in town funds.
She graduated from Kosciusko County Leadership Academy.
She was a co-chair with Sue Ann Mitchell, former Kosciusko County auditor, in holding local government meetings to develop efficiency and cost-sharing programs.
Hicks hosted several Kosciusko County clerk-treasurer meetings to discuss new legislation for communities and developed a purchasing consortium.
Hicks is a recipient of the 2006 Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame for outstanding service.
Having 17 years of experience in local and state government finance, her purpose in running for the seat is to give local government a strong representation in the state, to give the voters a choice, and to support all residents and their issues in an ethical manner.
Prior to serving as clerk-treasurer, Hicks worked for the Winona Lake Post Office and Grace Schools.
She graduated from Kokomo Business College and attended Grace College.
Hicks' committee involvement includes the Indiana League of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers, specifically serving on resolutions, mentor, audit, conference, scholarship, membership, education and professional development and nominating committees. She held the offices of ILMCT treasurer, secretary, vice president and president in 2007-08.
Hicks began a program to recognize and honor league retirees, expanded membership criteria to include affiliate members, and instituted a non-profit educational foundation for ILMCT. She held the first leadership retreat for the League.
Committee involvement also includes leadership positions with Indiana Association of Cities and Towns.
Hicks' roles with IACT includes serving as a board of director representing small towns, education committee (past chair and current co-chair), site selection committee (past chair), budget and finance committee and legislative committee.
She is a member of the IACT Finance Policy Committee and currently is active on all the above committees.
Hicks assisted State Treasurer Richard Mourdock as a Trust Indiana Investment Pool Advisory Committee member by developing and implementing the program.
Hicks and her husband, Jack, have been married for 45 years. They have seven children and 20 grandchildren.
They were involved in foster parenting for six years, raising four children and five foster children. Hicks attends and volunteers at Warsaw Community Church.
"I am a servant of God, my family, my community, my county, my state and my country," Hicks said. "I would be honored to serve and represent all residents in state government."
