Thompson, Fellows Receive GOP Man, Woman Of Year Awards
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
LEESBURG – Jim Thompson and Lynne Fellows were recognized during Thursday’s Kosciusko County GOP Hall of Fame Dinner. Thompson received the GOP Man of the Year award and Fellows received the GOP Woman of the Year award for their contributions to the Republican party. Thompson has assisted at GOP fish frys, bake sales and helped with working at the polls on election day. “This is a big honor. I try to help where I am needed,” Thompson said. Fellows also has volunteered at fish frys and taken people to the polls. “I am amazed and I thank you for the award,” Thompson said. Candidates running for the 3rd district congressional seat, currently held by Marlin Stutzman, introduced themselves. Candidates attending included Kip Tom, Pam Galloway and Jim Banks. Joe Thallemer, Warsaw mayor, was the featured speaker. He reflected on lessons learned over this first term as mayor. He said mayors must be resourceful with the tools they are given and understand the importance of peer support. Other lessons are mayors accept responsibility and leadership, and they must be prepared and have foresight. Another important thing is to communicate to the public and don’t take anyone for granted. He reflected on the life of former councilman Charlie Smith. “Charlie taught me a lot about leadership,” Thallemer said. Thallemer gave a top 10 list of Smith’s leadership skills. They are: plan to serve your community until you are 75; spend adequate time preparing for every meeting; be passionate as a public servant; listen and examine all sides; and make decisions based upon the welfare and benefit of the community. Other tips are support peers, loyalty is king, never stop building relationships and don’t ever take anyone’s contributions for granted.
