Many offices up for election in 2010

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - This May many state and county office holders are up for election.  Election Board Co-Director Heather Maddox said a dozen county offices are up for election in 2010. 

Those include:

• Clerk
• Auditor
• Recorder
• Sheriff
• Assessor
• Prosecutor
• Superior Court 3 Judge
• 1 Commissioner seat
• 4 Council seats

Maddox said next year there even could be primaries for some positions, such as Assessor. This position is currently held by Democrat Samantha Steele. Former Wea Township Assessor Linda Mussche and Clerk Linda Phillips plan to run against Steele.

"Obviously I can't run again for clerk, even though I've enjoyed the job, and think I've done a good job.  So I'm considering running for Assessor.  I've passed my Level 1 certification and I'm signed up for the Level 2 classes," said Phillips.

Steele doesn't plan to give up the office.

"This is the first time since 2006 since we've seen record low appeals and have been very efficient with the taxpayers dollars.  At this point, I would like to continue to put the taxpayers first and continue to be their county assessor," said Steele.

Chief Deputy Clerk Christa Coffey hopes to take over as Clerk.

"I've been in the legal community for 20 years here.  I work in the law firms and also through the courts and now into the clerks office so I think I bring an overall undertanding of the process," said Coffey.

Commissioner John Knochel has held the District 1 seat since 1997 and he hopes to stay.

"I'm planning on re-running.  We have several issues that are still before us, several projects that are ongoing in the county, that will certainly keep the commissioners office busy," said Knochel.

Candidates have until February to fill our paperwork to run for office.

Sheriff Tracy Brown and Prosecutor Pat Harrington both plan to run for second terms.  So does Auditor Jennifer Weston and Recorder Oneta Tolle.

Superior Court 3 Judge Loretta rush is considering running again.

As far as the Council goes, Andy Gutwein, Betty Michael, and Roland Winger and Jeff Kemper all plan to run again.

Some state lawmaking posts are also up for re-election, including the District 26 seat now held by Republican Randy Truitt.  Truitt said he plans on running for a second term. Democrat Paul Roales announced his candidacy for the District 26 seat last week. 

In District 27, Democrat Sheila Klinker plans to run again.