McBarnes prepares for new position as mayor of Frankfort

FRANKFORT, Ind. (WLFI) - A landslide victory puts 23-year-old, and political new-comer Chris McBarnes in to the Frankfort mayor's office.
A little more than 12 hours later NewsChannel 18's Alex Deiro caught up with the newly elected mayor.

Walking in to the local eateries around Frankfort you'll find almost unparalleled excitement from residents about Republican Chris McBarnes' victory last night. But as McBarnes himself has said already, 'now the real work begins'. McBarnes says that work includes assigning a few positions on the Board of Works, department heads.

He said he hopes to have those positions filled by early December so that he can take office with confidence in his newly appointed team. He says he's promised no one a job in his new administration, but says there have been some good candidates come forward already. McBarnes also admits that he has a lot to learn about the processes of local government, and hopes that by surrounding himself with a strong team he'll learn the ropes and make Frankfort a better place.

"I have to surround myself with good people to get this job done effectively. I understand that I can not do this by myself. No mayor can do this by himself, or herself," said McBarnes.

As for his opponents, McBarnes says he would be happy to see both Democrat Richard Greeno and Independent Brett Todd apply for positions in his administration. McBarnes says he's already spoken to at least two former Frankfort mayors and looks forward to receiving advice from other area mayors.