On the first day of filing for political office in Jackson County last Wednesday there was a flurry of activity resulting in primary races for both Democrats and Republicans.
Incumbent Republican sheriff Michael Carothers of Seymour will face a primary battle from former sheriff and current president of the Jackson County commissioners Jerry Hounshel of Vallonia.
Democrats will also have at least one primary choice as County Assessor Beverly Gaiter of Browntown will face an inter-party challenge from Kay Cummings Schwade of Seymour.
Early filings will result in November election battles as incumbent Republican Superior Court Judge Bruce Markel III of Brownstown will face a challenge from Democrat Susan D. Bevers of Seymour.
Long-time Republican Jackson Township Trustee William ‘Bill’ Marsh of Seymour will face a November challenge from Democrat John Steele Burkhart, a former mayor of Seymour.
Filings of interest in Crothersville and Vernon Township, Republican incumbent Leon Pottschmidt of Seymour will face a general election race for County Council District 2 with Democrat Karen Metz of Crothersville.
Democrat Scott Kovener of Crothersville filed to run for Vernon Township Trustee.
In other early filings include incumbent Republican county clerk Amanda Cunningham Lowery of Vallonia, incumbent Republican County Recorder Linda J. Auleman of Seymour, incumbent Republican Councilman from District 3 Brian H. Thompson of Seymour, incumbent Democrat Councilman from District 4, Gregory V. Prange of Seymour. Democrat Brian Tidd of Seymour , a former Jackson County Auditor, filed to run for County Council representing District 1.
Incumbent Republican Matt Reedy of Freetown filed to seek re-election as District 3 County Commissioner.
Republican indumbent county prosecutor AmyMarie Travis of Brownstown filed to seek elective office. Travis was appointed prosector when former prosecutor Rick Poynter was elected circuit court judge.
Democrat incumbent Redding Township Trustee Conrad E. Calmer filed to seek another term of office as did incumbent Democrat Pershing Township Trustee Bruce McKinney and incumbent Republican Brownstown Township Trustee Jennifer Saucerman Isaacs.
Democrat Julie Berry of Madison filed to run for State Senate District 45. Crothersville and Vernon Township are a part of Senate District 45.
Candidate filings will continue through the deadline of noon on Feb. 7 in the Jackson County Clerk’s office. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, April 7.
