Tancak reflects on tenure with Cloverdale Town Board

In 2022, Brandon Tancak was elected to the Cloverdale Town Board with a goal of putting his town on the map literally and figuratively.

Over the years, grants poured in, progress was made and Cloverdale even hosted a solar eclipse party in 2024. 

However, for all the good that was done, there was one growing problem that finally took its toll this week with Tancak submitting his resignation effective immediately. In addition, he suspended his campaign for his seat, which he was facing a May Republican primary challenge from Daphine Rutenberg. 

"Over the last month there has been a growing divide within our community. A divide that has turned all the positives into negatives via social media, misinformation, rumors and lack of knowledge and facts. Over the past five years or so this council, along with the town manager and clerk have worked hard to position the town for success. That is being tarnished to the fullest extent via those methods. The amount of verbal and social media attacks directed at the town, my family and myself is not what this community is about. But it’s what it has become. In order to hopefully bring “order” back to the community, and in my family’s best interest along with the town's, I believe it is in the best interest to step away at this time. It’s not an easy decision but it’s the right decision," Tancak told The Putnam County Post.

While he has suspended his campaign and resigned his position, Tancak will remain on the May primary ballot. Should he win the primary, he said he will "respectfully decline."

"Again, there is a reason for my decision. We need to come back together as a community, and, hopefully, new leaders will keep moving forward with the groundwork that has been laid. I can only hope," he said. 
Tancak said when he looks back on his time, there has been so much to be proud of when it comes to various successes. 

"Looking at the projects we have been able to complete, with a cost of over 15 million dollars, over 10 million being paid for by grants and other sources and only 4 million or so being paid for directly from the town. That is due to great team work, planning and being financially responsible," he said. 

In addition, Tancak said he was proud to get the police department salaries up and comparable to other towns the same size as Cloverdale. 

"We constantly battled losing officers to other departments because of pay. The SRO position for the school corporation was a huge success for the safety of the kids and staff. I’m thankful for the school corporation being willing to partner with the town in order to make that happen," said Tancak, who added he will also fondly remember friendships made with residents and business owners from across the state. 

As for what is next, Tancak said he is going to take the year off and enjoy a break from politics. 

"When the time is right, I’ll talk with my family, town and county residents along with business owners and decide on what the next step in my journey will be. If you know me, I’m not one to just sit around," he admitted. 

And, as he bows out, Tancak has a message for voters and residents in Cloverdale. 

"My message is before anyone casts judgment on anyone or something, I encourage you to do your research, find the facts and then form your own personal opinion. Our society is consumed by misinformation, social media heroes, rumors and we are so quick on judging someone or something by the cover story without actually opening the cover up," Tancak said.