As a lifelong Vermillion County resident, Kody Zumwalt is looking to bring leadership willing to listen to the Vermillion County Commissioner District 2 seat.
Zumwalt, a Republican faces off against incumbent William Peeples and fellow challenger Curt Phelps, while Democrat Rod Shepard awaits the primary winner in the November general election.
A 2013 graduate of North Vermillion High School, Zumwalt is a father of two and a husband who said his family is "working hard to build a life and future right here at home."
"I decided to run for County Commissioner after trying several times to become involved with the Mega-Rise Board. I was told my ideas did not align with the current commissioners' vision for the county. That response only strengthened my belief that Vermillion County needs leadership willing to listen to new ideas and the voices of everyday taxpayers," Zumwalt told The Parke County Post.
There are several issues facing Vermillion County, but two that are focal to Zumwalt's campaign.
The first priority is adding another ambulance station in Vermillion County, he said.
"My own family has experienced the consequences of delayed emergency response, and no resident should have to worry about whether help will arrive in time. There are several options the county can pursue to secure funding. One option is ensuring Mega-Rise repays the $1.4 million loan provided by Vermillion County taxpayers for the shell building that still has not produced a business," Zumwalt said.
The second priority pertains to strengthening accountability and expectations for the Mega-Rise Board, he said.
"When commissioners appoint a board of directors to oversee a valuable community asset, there should be clear goals and expectations that reflect the commitments originally proposed to the federal government. The board and commissioners should work together to make that property accessible and beneficial to the community, not simply another piece of land available only to the highest bidder," he said.
As for why people should vote for him in the upcoming Republican May primary, Zumwalt said there are several reasons.
"I am not a career politician. I am a young, working taxpayer and family man, who cares deeply about the future of Vermillion County. I have never held public office before, but I am committed to listening, learning and working hard to make thoughtful decisions that benefit our community and the families who call it home," Zumwalt said.
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