NORTH VERNON — With longtime North Vernon clerk/treasurer Shawn Gerkin unopposed in his bid to become the city’s next mayor, the Nov. 7 municipal election in the city of 6,500 people also promises changes on city council as well as in Gerkin’s former position.
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.
Meanwhile, North Vernon will have many new faces in elected office after the election. 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: Jerry Lamb (at large) and Trent Wisner (District 2). Republican city council members Jack Kelly (District 1) and Baron Wilder (District 3) are unopposed for reelection.
The Republic asked candidates in contested races for their views, and following are their responses to our Q&A. Some responses have been edited for space.
Clerk/treasurer
Democrat Connie Rayburn
Rayburn
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and why you chose to run for office.
A: I have lived and worked in Jennings County all my life. I have a public service heart and am dedicated to making a positive difference. Working and serving 10 years on city council, and being active in the community have given me experiences need to be the city clerk-treasurer.
Q: What are your priorities if elected?
A: My pledge is that I will work hard for the citizens of North Vernon while being open and transparent in my duties. I will be a full-time employee, available during working hours. I will run the office and be responsible for all record keeping and financial matters.
Q: What do you see as the biggest needs in North Vernon?
A: As a care manager, I see firsthand many citizens’ struggles with affordable housing, transportation, food and utilities. My clients’ average income is about $1200/month. This does not go far! Jennings County does not have a public transportation service, so it is hard to run essential errands.
Q: What is your view of the role of city government?
A: City government is responsible for police and fire protection, parks and recreation services, public works (streets, water/sewers, trash), fiscal accountability and commerce growth. A good government protects its citizens’ fundamental rights while making sure policies or laws serve the needs of those who live and work in the community.
Q: Why should a resident of North Vernon vote for you?
A: My record of community service shows my dedication to our community. I am a leader and a team player. I am authentic and I can be trusted to perform the duties of clerk-treasurer. I appreciate any and all votes and support given to me in the upcoming city election.
Republican Charlie Weber
Weber
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and why you chose to run for office.
A: Married to Mary Megel Weber, we have four children, 10 grandchildren, expecting two great-grandchildren. Member of St. Mary’s Parish and big supporter of St. Mary’s School. In December I will be retiring as CFO of Decatur Mold, but professionally, I still have much to offer.
Q: What are your priorities if elected?
A: As treasurer I would provide timely, informative, and accurate financial information to the city council and the mayor so they can make the best decisions for the citizens of North Vernon. As clerk my priority will be to use my 35 years of office management to make it efficient and work for the people.
Q: What do you see as the biggest needs in North Vernon?
A: North Vernon is a city with limited resources. I envision a clerk-treasurer who can increase those resources without raising taxes and then use those resources efficiently and without waste.
Q: What is your view of the role of city government?
A: The role of city government is to provide infrastructure, (streets, water and sewer) protection (police and fire) and assist in the quality of life. As a member of the county council, we found the proper funding for these things without raising taxes, and we actually reduced income taxes.
Q: Why should a resident of North Vernon vote for you?
A: My education, professional experience, and commitment to our community, including:
- 10 years as VP of finance for Erler Industries, Inc.
- 25 years as VP of finance and CFO of Decatur Mold.
- Five years on Jennings County Council and past president. We decreased income taxes.
- President, treasurer for multiple charitable organizations.
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City Council At Large
Democrat Pat Kirchner
Kirchner
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and why you chose to run for office.
A: I have been a resident of North Vernon my entire life and have been married to my wife, Sandi, for 40 years. I have four children and seven grandchildren who reside in North Vernon. I recently retired and would love to direct my time and talents to benefit North Vernon.
Q: What are your priorities if elected?
A: I would like to focus on further cleaning up downtown North Vernon to ensure safety and attract more small businesses; improve our parks and recs for families to enjoy; and drive improvements that make North Vernon a more desirable place to raise and grow a family.
Q: What do you see as the biggest needs in North Vernon?
A: We need to improve the quality of what we currently have (safety, cleanliness, and maintenance of infrastructure) while investing in areas that will drive future growth. We need to provide more opportunities for residents to enjoy in town such as recreational activities and incentivize businesses to choose our town.
Q: What is your view of the role of city government?
A: The role of government is to spend the taxpayers’ money wisely by investing in areas that benefit all people, not just a handful. It should maintain the infrastructure by making smart investments and planning appropriately and should focus on providing a safe environment for the people of North Vernon.
Q: Why should a resident of North Vernon vote for you?
A: I have a vested interest in North Vernon and want to see it thrive. I have extensive experience (40+ year career) in managing large projects and budgets and served seven years on the utility board. I want to put my talents to work for this community and drive positive impact.
Republican David Kopitzke did not reply to submitted questions by The Republic’s deadline.
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City Council District 2
Republican Warren Alexander
Alexander
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and why you chose to run for office.
A: I am married have three children and eight grandchildren. Because I have served on the North Vernon city utilities board for the last eight years, I feel running for the city council is my next step in serving the great citizens on North Vernon.
Q: What are your priorities if elected?
A: 1. Better pay for our city police officers.
2. More activities for the youth of Jennings County.
3. Lighting for the walking trail leading to Muscatatuck Park.
I am also very interested in what the community would like to suggest or improve.
Q: What do you see as the biggest needs in North Vernon?
A: Being able the keep our city police officers to ensure the safety of our citizens.
Q: What is your view of the role of city government?
A: To serve our community.
Q: Why should a resident of North Vernon vote for you?
A: I will treat all citizens equally and serve my community.
Democrat Jarrod Daeger
Daeger
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and why you chose to run for office.
A: I was born and raised in North Vernon. My wife, Haley, and I have three children, and I am a broker with F.C. Tucker Real Estate in downtown North Vernon. I think we are positioned to continue to make our community a great place to live, work and play.
Q: What are your priorities if elected?
A: My priorities are to continue the improvements we have seen to our infrastructure, our parks, and our downtown. A final piece to our growing puzzle is housing. I am excited for the Heritage Estates subdivision on the west end of town. We need more affordable and senior housing as well.
Q: What do you see as the biggest needs in North Vernon?
A: One thing really stands out: I have talked to too many people who feel left behind, unheard, and feel their voice and vote don’t count. I support an open-door policy, and if elected, I encourage any taxpayer to come to me with a problem. You will be heard.
Q: What is your view of the role of city government?
A: City government is here to serve the taxpayers and citizens of North Vernon. In a nutshell, city government represents you. They provide police, fire, water/sewer, trash pickup, parks, streets, sidewalks and the list goes on. City government exists to keep the lights on and the community churning.
Q: Why should a resident of North Vernon vote for you?
A: I am all in on North Vernon. My family lives here, my kids go to school here, we go to church here, I run my business here. We look out for each other here. With your help, we can ensure our city’s well-being, safety and stability for the next generation.
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City Council District 4:
Republican Andrew Klescht (incumbent)
Klescht
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and why you chose to run for office.
A: I am a lifelong Jennings County resident and graduated from Jennings County High School in 2011. I married my wife, Shana, in 2019 and have a son, Elijah, who was born in 2020. I decided to run for office because I feel the best way to make a change is to be the change.
Q: What are your priorities if elected?
A: Ensure that North Vernon continues to invest in our downtown and other infrastructure to make the city an inviting place for business and residents to move and work here. I would also like to work with the county government to improve the relationship with them.
Q: What do you see as the biggest needs in North Vernon?
A: I feel one of the biggest needs of North Vernon is affordable single-family housing. I am proud to support the Heritage Estates housing development as a result. Transparency of local government is also important to me. People have the right to be able to have easy access to their local elected civil servants.
Q: What is your view of the role of city government?
A: I feel the role of city government is to ensure the quality of life of local residents above all else. It is our duty to bring the best opportunities we can to our city. This includes police and fire funding as well as education, parks and economic development.
Q: Why should a resident of North Vernon vote for you?
A: North Vernon should vote for me because I love this city, I am here for the long haul. I want to continue to help improve North Vernon and make it a place myself and everyone else can be proud to call home and raise a family or even start a business.
Democrat Alana Thrine did not reply to submitted questions by The Republic’s deadline.
