Candidates register to run in 2010

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - The primary election may be months away, but candidates in Tippecanoe County began filing paperwork to run for office this morning.

Republican Andy Gutwein is one of the candidates who filed his paperwork for the 2010 election on the first day possible. Gutwein is seeking re-election to the Tippecanoe County Council.

"I wanted to go ahead and get it on file now just so their were no questions about whether or not I was going to run again," said Gutwein.

As an incumbent council member, Gutwein said he feels he's the right person for the job.

"Over the last few years, I've had to learn a lot about the function of the Council and the ins and outs of the appropriations and the budget cycle.  I feel I am really able to make a contribution to the council," said Gutwein.

Chief Deputy Clerk Christa Coffey is running for Tippecanoe County Clerk.

"I see lots of projects that we have started that I would like to see finished and technology is definitely coming our way and I'd like to be involved in getting that implemented to further save the taxpayers money," said Coffey.

Election Board Co-Director Heather Maddox said many county races will be decided this year.

"I think it will be interesting to watch.  That's why we are kind of watching the filings. We were hoping we would have a little more traffic today," said Maddox.

County offices up for election this year are: Clerk, Auditor, Recorder, Sheriff, Assessor, Prosecutor and Superior Court Three Judge. Also, 1 Commissioner seat and 4 Council seats.  The last day to file is February 19 at noon for the primary on May 4.

Other candidates filing today were :

• Sheriff Tracy Brown, who is seeking a second term
• County Councilman Jeff Kemper
• Samantha Steele, who hopes to remain Assessor
• Steve Needham, who wants to be re-elected to the Fairfield Township Board.