Walstad
Hope Town Council (Ward 2)
John Walstad (R): 109
Peter Begin Jr. (R): 63
HOPE – Republicans in Bartholomew County’s second-largest incorporated community want to send John Walstad back for a second term on the Hope Town Council representing Ward 2.
Walstad, 76, who defeated fellow Republican Nellie Meek four years ago, was himself challenged in this year’s primary by Peter Begin, Jr., a 58-year-old resident of Aiken Street who works for a Michigan-based tool manufacturer.
Walstad received 63.16% of the vote, while Begin garnered 36.84% support.
There was no Democrat running for the same seat during Tuesday’s primary. If Bartholomew County Democratic Party chairman Ross Thomas is unable to fill the vacancy on the ballot by noon on July 3, Walstad will automatically win another four years.
In comparison to the 2020 election, Walstad said he was a little more concerned about winning Tuesday’s primary.
“I didn’t think I got my name out there fast enough and with as much force like I did the first time,” Walstad said. ” I know I put my signs out a little bit later.”
But Walstad said he believes the key to his victory was going door-to-door in Ward 2 and asking residents what they would like to see done.
“I had more people say to me I’m glad to see you are at least running and trying to get this town back to Square One,” he said. “I’m going to try my best, but I have to convince four other people, too.” He was referring to the other council members.
Walstad said the most important issue is getting the town’s sewer system taken care of – or at least started. Since the sewage system in the town is so old, repair and rehabilitation efforts are expect to be about $3 million.
Begin, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, placed town preparedness among his most important issues. He also advocated for a recycling program, as well as to nurture positive relationships between town leaders and the community’s residents.
There will be at least one competitive race in Hope this November. Incumbent Republican Ohmer Miller is being challenged in Ward 3 by Jerry Bragg, a Democrat who said he wanted to run as a Republican, but was told by party leaders he can’t because he didn’t vote Republican in the last two primaries.
As a Democrat, Bragg served on the council from 2014 through 2022.
