Caucuses fill advisory board seats in Polk and West Townships

Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 2:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

Marshall County Republicans held two caucuses on Tuesday evening to fill vacancies on township advisory boards that arose when the current member passed away.

In West Township, Danny Bates served on the advisory board for many years. His death on March 9 created a vacancy on the board, and the party had only 30 days to fill it.

The West Township precinct committee members are responsible for voting on the candidate to occupy the open seat.

Only one candidate, Jonathan Bryant, submitted his Declaration of Candidacy for the West Township vacancy before the deadline.

Bryant told the precinct committee members that he is a lifelong resident of Plymouth and purchased the family home in 2009. A graduate of Plymouth High School who attended Ancilla College, Bryant has served the citizens of Marshall County for 20 years at the Sheriff's Department. Detective Sergeant Bryant is also the lead detective for the Drug Task Force.

West Township precinct committee members unanimously approved Jonathan Bryant.

In Polk Township, former advisory board member Richard Parker passed away on March 10, creating a vacancy on the board.

Two candidates filed their Declaration of Candidacy before the deadline: Jerry Moore and Michael Norris.

Jerry Moore told the two precinct committee members at the caucus that he grew up on a 75-acre farm in Polk Township. After graduating from high school, he worked at A. M. General and retired in 2017.

Moore purchased the family home in 1994 and expressed his love for Marshall County, stating, “There's no place like Polk Township.”

The second candidate, Mike Norris, is familiar with politics, having previously run for an advisory board seat and for township trustee.

Norris, 63, mentioned that he is preparing for retirement. He's joined the Odd Fellows to support the neighborhood and was excited to learn about their good works.

After addressing the audience, the two precinct committee members cast their votes by secret ballot. Upon reviewing the ballots, it was determined that there was a tie vote. In the case of a tie, the County Chairman resolves the issue.

County Chairman Deb VanDeMark had to break the tie, stating, “You are both great guys. I want to vote for both of you.” It was a tough decision, but ultimately, VanDeMark chose Mike Norris to serve as the Polk Township Advisory Board member.