NORTH VERNON — There will be new leadership in North Vernon city government next year, but there are no party challenges that will require a May primary election, according to candidate filing information provided by the Jennings County Election Office.
With the retirement of longtime mayor Michael Ochs at the end of this year, two young community leaders have stepped up to vie for North Vernon’s top elected position.
Current North Vernon Clerk/Treasurer Shawn Gerkin has filled the Democratic ticket for mayor and will run in the Nov. 7 general election against Republican Daniel W. Smith Jr., who serves as Jennings County tourism president.
Because Gerkin is seeking the mayor’s office, an opportunity exists in the clerk/treasurer’s office. Democrat Connie Rayburn and Republican Charlie Weber have filed to seek that office.
Meanwhile, North Vernon at-large councilman Jerry Lamb has chosen not to seek re-election after two terms. Seeking the at-large seat in November will be Democrat Pat Kirchner and Republican David Kopitzke.
There also will be a new council member in District 2 after incumbent Trent Wisner opted not to seek re-election. In that race, Republican Warren Alexander will run against Democrat Jarrod Daeger.
Republican District 4 councilman Andrew Klescht will seek re-election and will be challenged by Democrat Alana Thrine.
Two Republican council members who sought re-election are unopposed after the primary filing deadline: District 1 councilman Jack Kelley and District 3 councilman Baron Wilder.
