North Vernon clerk/treasurer Shawn Gerkin is unopposed in the city’s 2023 mayoral race.
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NORTH VERNON — Longtime North Vernon clerk/treasurer Shawn Gerkin is set to become the city’s next mayor. Gerkin is the only filed mayoral candidate for the Nov. 7 municipal election in the city of 6,500 people, though several city council seats and the clerk/treasurer position will be contested.
Gerkin, a Democrat and native of North Vernon, will step into the leadership role in the city where he has served as clerk/treasurer for more than 10 years. Beginning in January, he will succeed North Vernon Mayor Mike Ochs, who chose to retire after two terms.
“I want North Vernon to become a place where our children and grandchildren choose to stay and raise their families,” Gerkin said in an email when asked about his priorities as mayor. “This vision starts with making North Vernon a great place to live, work, and play. As mayor, my focus will be on encouraging housing development, enhancing the overall quality of life, improving our city’s infrastructure, maintaining public safety, and continuing to upgrade our parks and recreational facilities.”
Gerkin said he wants North Vernon to incentivize housing growth and “provide unwavering support to our small business owners, as they are the backbone of our local economy. These entrepreneurs contribute to the distinct character and charm of North Vernon, drive innovation, and make our community an exceptional place to live.
“… Together, by focusing on housing, quality of life, infrastructure, safety, and parks, we can build a North Vernon that our future generations are proud to call home,” he said.
Meanwhile, North Vernon will have many new faces in elected office elsewhere in city hall after the election in the fall. In addition to a new clerk/treasurer, at least two of the five members of city council will change due to members opting not to seek re-election.
Here are the contested races on the Nov. 7 North Vernon city election ballot, according to the Jennings County Clerk’s Office:
Clerk/treasurer: Democrat Connie Rayburn will face Republican Charlie Weber in the contest to succeed Gerkin.
City Council At Large: Democrat Pat Kirchner will challenge Republican David Kopitzke in a race to succeed at-large councilman Jerry Lamb, who is retiring after two terms.
City Council District 2: Warren Alexander, a Republican, is running against Democrat Jarrod Daeger. The winner will succeed Trent Wisner, who is not seeking a third council term.
City Council District 4: Republican councilman Andrew Klescht, who was appointed by a caucus in June 2022 to fill a council vacancy, will face a challenge from Democrat Alana Thrine.
Republican city council members Jack Kelly (District 1) and Baron Wilder (District 3) are unopposed for re-election.
