The Mail-Journal, Volume 20, Number 15, Milford, Kosciusko County, 27 April 1983 — Page 2
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THE MAIL-JOURNAL—Wed.. April 27.1983
Plenty of heat, mud-slinging
Five hopefuls vie in Warsaw mayoral race
By GARY LEWIS Warsaw elections have been known for their heated battles. The 1983 Republican primary has been true to form thus far, with plenty of political mud-slinging. The general election should be just as heated, with the Democratic and Independent candidates — Ron Dirck and Robert P. Murphy — joining the race in November with the Republican nominee. $ For the Republicans, councilmen Terry Klondaris and Jeff Plank, along with darkhorse Cliff Prater, are vying for rights to represent the Republicans in their bid to stay in control of the chief executive’s office in city government. And all three have differing ideas on the qualifications needed to be a successful mayor. For Klondaris. a major portion of his platform is based on his lifetime citizenship of Warsaw and his status as a lifetime Republican. He also says the job requires a full-time commitment. “I’m convinced it’s a full-time job. Just being city councilman part-time I bet I spend a minimum of 10 hours a week,” he said. “And that’s probably a low figure. It’s definitely a full-time job that takes a full-time mayor to perform it correctly.” His platform is vastly different from the party’s other major opponent. Jeff Plank is neither a lifetime resident of Warsaw (13 years), ora lifetime Republican. In fact, he spent most of his three-and-a-half-year city political career as a Democrat before making the switch to the Republican party. But after a discussion with the candidate, one gets the feeling he believes this is a strength rather than a liability: Recent changes have convinced him, and he hopes will also convince the voters, that one of his opponent’s major campaign issues is no longer relevant. The city’s GOP chairman, deputy prosecutor Mike Valentine, resigned earlier this month to support Plank.
North Webster should have cable television by October
(Continued from page 1) Box Office); $24.95 per month for basic service plus both movie channels; $4 per month for each additional outlet; $lO for reconnection within 30 days; time and material for additional outlets and installation charge.
No charges filed in rabbit-breeding scam
(Continued from page 1) with the post office, was that of his answering service. According to the article Klocke gave his hometown address as r 3 box 276 Syracuse. While in operation in Syracuse, rabbits were not delivered but several employees traveled throughout Wisconsin, Michigan and sometimes Ohio to pick up the bunnies. Trade Commission The Federal Trade Commission requires operators of this type of business to provide certain information to
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Valentine, also a long-standing figure in Republican politics, said he could no longer live up to the neutrality agreement he agreed to when he took the job as GOP chief. Plank believes this is a major shift in the political scene. “Valentine’s statement takes an awful lot of punch out of those campaign statements,” he said. “It takes one campaign issue away,” he added. Time Factor His position on the amount of time he plans to spend in office is not based on hours but by “quality of time.” A management assistant with C.V. Yeager and Associates in Warsaw, he will continue his position with the insurance company while running the affairs of city government. “I’ve got a lot of people who can run my affairs (insurance affairs) with me checking in on it occasionally,” said Plank. “I’m not going to apologize for the fact that I’m more organized than the others.” The time he spends in the mayor’s office will be time well spent, he forecasted. “I’d rather go out than just sit in the office.. . the number of hours a mayor sits in his office isn’t what matters, it’s what he accomplishes while he’s there.” “I think I can accomplish as much in less time, but I’m willing to spend as much time as it will take.” If elected, Klondaris will use most of his time communicating with the citizens in the city. This communication, he feels, will build another important aspect — trust. “There has to be trust in the mayor because you’re putting your powers, the people’s powers, in the hands of the mayor. If you don’t trust the mayor, then right off the bat you’re off to a bad start as far as city government goes. “On the mayor’s part, I think this is where previous administrations have fallen short. There’s not enough communication. All kinds of communication vehicles are available to the mayor in the form of news releases, newspaper columns ...
At no time will a normal onetime installation charge exceed S2O. There will be a $lO equipment deposit and a $lO service deposit. Also there will be no installation charge within the first 30 days cable is offered. The converter will require a $lO deposit.
prospective purchasers at least 10 days before they sign any agreement. The information must cover the company's
Ebenezer Ladies elect officers
The Ebenezer Ladies Aid met in the home of Jessie Swartz on April 21. Officers for the next year were elected and will be: President — Wilma Beck Vice president — Fern Weirick Secretary — Mary B. Miller Treasurer — Gladys Morris Mrs. Beck, president, presided
“In other words, I think you have to get out information to people to let them know what’s going on.” Many of the projects he has worked on as a councilman failed because of this communication gap When it comes to major issues in the election, Warsaw voters have a lot of choices to make. For Klondaris, the redevelopment of downtown Warsaw, through cooperation with the downtown beautification project sponsored by the' local chamber of commerce, is a primary goal. Checking the growth pattern of the city and creating low-income housing for senior citizens are also important. Plank believes the primary issue in the campaign goes beyond specific projects and goals. “The primary issue centers on the issue of the ability of the two different candidates.” Leadership “Objective leadership ability is far more critical to the progressive development of our city than the length of time a candidate has been a resident of Warsaw or the length of time a candidate has been a member of a political party.” His political switch was made because he thinks he can be a better leader as a Republican. “The switch was made based on the very, very, simple fact that the major difference between the parties is economic policy. “I have spent three-and-a-half years playing a conservative role in economic issues — I switched to be true to myself.” Darkhorse Candidate While the other two candidates are hashing things out among themselves, Cliff Prater is enjoying his role as a political darkhorse in next week’s election. “I’d consider myself a political unknown. I would agree with that.” Prater ran for county recorder in 1974 as a Democrat, but he feels his status as a candidate is not affected by the prior political affiliation. “In 19751 campaigned
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operations, finances, history and actual earnings. According to information received this was not followed.
over the meeting and Mrs. Morris gave the devotions and the lesson on ‘‘The Master’s Mathematics. ” There were 12 members present and the guests were Jeanette Roth and May Garman. The May meeting will be in the home of Edna Thomas on May 19. Mrs. Morris assisted the hostess in serving refreshments.
for Alan Rovenstine for sheriff and I switched to Republican. I worked for Rovenstine the second time he ran,” he added. Assistant manager of Lukies’ restaurant, Prater says he has support. “A lot of people I didn’t think would be for me are for me,” he said. As mayor, he plans to quit his position and work fulltime. “I think the mayor should be a full-time job. I wouldn’t spend either the summer or the winter in Florida. I’d take a twoweek vacation a year and that would be it.” Jobs are the primary issue in Prater’s mind. “The first thing I’d do would be to do everything possible to get new industry in Warsaw. I would go myself and talk to business executives.” Closed factories and empty buildings in the city are a major concern for him. “I will do more than what Klondaris and Plank have done. Neither one of them have done all they can do. They haven’t even been to all the council meetings,” he said. As an average working man, Prater hopes to appeal to the voters’ concern for the local economy. The current mayor, and the other candidates in the primary, are “insensitive to the needs of the people” because of their financial status, he explained. Prater has started a door-to-door personal campaign to meet the people in Warsaw. Does he truly believe in his chances to be elected? “I meet a lot of people everyday in my job, and I haven’t had one person who said they wouldn’t support me.” “They (the other two candidates) are going to be surprised.” Keeping Distance Keeping their distance from the battle for the Republican nomination are the two other men Warsaw voters will see on the ballot in November. Democratic candidate Ron Dirck has yet to really begin serious campaigning, but he believes the voters do not know the real issue in the campaign. “When you take the theatrics
Why did she tell? Ward explains. . .
By GARY LEWIS Most people will believe Warsaw Clerk-Treasurer Pamela Ward was "politically motivated” in making her statement in regard to the Indiana State Board of Accounts probe. At least two of those named are political enemies, critics charge, and Mrs. Ward’s intention was to further cloud the already murky waters in next week’s Republican primary. Independent candidate Robert P. Murphy says she made those comments for those reasons. “I have to feel it is Pam Ward and it is strictly political,” Murphy said. Murphy operated the HUD program for Warsaw, a program he believes was handled property. Most people will believe Warsaw Clerk-Treasurer Pamela Ward was "politically motivated’* in making her statement in regard to the State Board of Accounts probe. At least two of those named are political enemies, critics charge... Concerns about that program, however, resulted in the citywide probe that resulted in the investigation of the activities of eight city officials. (See related story, page 1) Mrs. Ward knows all about the political consequences of her decision to share this information with The Mail-Journal. "It could go either way,” she said, commenting on how the announcement will affect her. "But it’s a chance I have to take for myself. As far as my own race, it’s a chance I have to take. "1 was put in here by many people in both parties to do the job,” she explained. "I think it can affect some of us good, some
Happy “ bucky ” I Doug, Greg, Brad A Tony fll
out, the council will run the city government,” he said. Changes in Indiana law governing the larger class city Warsaw has become in recent years “has changed completely the powers of mayor. They’re trying to make an issue out of the mayor having a full-time job. He will be an administrator and his main job will be to appoint people to run the government,” Dirck explained. For Dirck, then, the job of mayor will essentially be a parttime job because it has to be. The change has stripped the powers of the mayor, even though the mayor will have the power of the veto.
j| J lUL, io fcb k s : nd ■' I i d i 4 I ' "• B ’ ♦ 4 c < - 'BL- .ihf ’ | /I Rwjl ; SC.BBkb JI If Pl B —« * WHO WILL BE NEXT? — Five candidates are eyeing the mayor’s seat in the upcoming election at Warsaw. The Republican primary is next week with the general election in November. Surrounding the mayor's desk are Robert P. Murphy. Cliff Prater. Ron Dirck. Terry Klondaris and Jeff Plank. (Photo by Gary Lewis > \
of us bad. I'm not out to ruin anybody. I’m out to tell the public the truth,” Mrs. Ward said. Elaine Call opposes her in next week’s Republican primary. Public Needs To Know "I feel it is important to the public to answer your questions.” Mrs. Ward said during Tuesday’s interview in her office. “We are looking at people who are going to be running our city for the next four years. I am more concerned with good honest government than I am with politics. ” Good intentions or not, she has few friends at city hall. "I’m sure the people will say it’s politically motivated. But I honestly feel it is to the best interest of the public to have them aware that we do have some people who are circumspect — at least at this point by the State Board of Accounts.” Any investigation by the State Board of Accounts is an exhaustive one, she admits, and chances are not all of those named will be charged. “Some of these people might be cleared. But I do feel the public has a right to know that we have people who are being looked into.”
Record-setting cold
The week of April 15-21 was a week of record-setting cold, according to Lores Steury, Goshen College weather observer. He stated the average temperature for that week was 34.8 degrees, a temperature normally associated with early March. Monday, April 18, was a record breaker with 22 degrees. The record cold before on that date was in 1932 with 24 degrees. An almost record breaking day was Tuesday, April 19 with 21 degrees. The lowest on record is in 1926 with 20 degrees. New record low with the day’s high temperature was set on April 18 with the high being 35 degrees. Record low with the day ’s high on that date previously was 39 degrees in 1953. Some plants were hurt by the week of cold weather, but a few days of warm weather will make them look much better.
Holey seats Keep old metal lawn furniture from rusting by drilling a few small holes in the seats. Rainwater will drain right out.
Appointing qualified department heads will be a primary goal as mayor. “The people in power at this time, the people who are department heads, are very poor department administrators and we have a tremendous waste of our tax dollars because of their incompetence in doing their job.” “I want to start telling the people the truth. Tell people the true issues,” he added. Being forced to resign from his job as administrator of the HUD program in Warsaw has not left Robert P. Murphy without the drive to get back into politics. Murphy's non-political party as-
Lady Lions introduce new officers The North Webster Lady Lions met on Thursday, April 21, in the North Webster United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. A belated Easter Egg Hunt was held and the new officers introduced. New officers include: Vice president — Susie Williams Secretary — Hilda Stone Treasurer»- Sharon Stuckman There were 21 members present for the monthly meeting. President Suzanne Parker presided and Betty Strauss, project chairwoman, began a discussion about upcoming events and projects for consideration. A project, in connection with the “Ladies Ride For Cancer,” was discussed and the T-shirts the club is selling for that project. Also discussed was a chicken barbeque on June 4-5 for the cancer benefit. Sagebrush Days, the Mermaid Festival and King Arthur Days were events the ladies made plans to become involved in. A brochure is to be printed in the near future and the club members volunteered to gather information.
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filiation is based on his belief the two-party system does not work. “It (the two-party system) does not work as well as it should. You end up with party leaders making decisions for what’s best for the party instead of what’s best for the government,” he explained. His former position has given him an inside view of what needs to be done in city government. “I see things that should be done that hasn’t been done. Before, I wasn’t in a position to get things done ” “I only got to do things they agreed with,” Murphy added.
New members will be installed at the May meeting, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. on May 19 in the United Methodist Church. It was decided that the time for regular meetings will be changed from 7 p.m. t07:30p.m. On Thursday, April 28, at 7 p.m. Lady Lions will be joining the Lions Club members at the Camelot Hall for a special carryin dinner. Regular meetings for the Lady Lions will be on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m., in the church. A board qf directors meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 5. in the North Webster Town Hall. Drainage Board to meet The Kosciusko County Drainage Board will meet oh April 28 at 1 p.m. in the old courtroom of the courthouse in Warsaw.
You're invited to a Mutschler Kitchen OPEN HOUSE Friday, April 29,9 to 5 Saturday, April 30,9 to 5 Sunday, May 1,1 to 5 See the latest and finest in traditional and contemporary wood cabinetry for the kitchen and other rooms of the home. Our designers will be happy to assist you with your remodeling or new construction plans. “Buy direct from the factory” Mutschler Kitchens of Nappanee Cor. Randolph & Madison Open Weekdays Nappanee, IN 9 to 5 773-3119 , Saturday 9 to 3
Freezing property taxes and freezing the salaries of elected officials are his primary goal if elected mayor. “The main thing is to freeze property taxes for four years. Freeze taxes and operate on the budget,” he says. “I’ve worked for all six city departments for the last six years — I know the departments, the city ... I think I can make decisions without getting into politics.” he said. After the primary. Warsaw voters should be hearing more from both Murphy and Dirck. Both plan to officially begin their campaigns after the Republican candidate is named.
New M-J subscribers Walter Eldridge 78 East Shore Dr. Syracuse. Ind. 46567 Leonard Foyle r5b0x226-A Syracuse. Ind. 46567 Ronald Greider r I box 468 North Webster. Ind. 46555 Teri Moreira 130 Santa Rita Ave. Modesto. Calif. 95354 Ron Raber * P.O. Box 736 Winona Lake. Ind. 46590