By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WINONA LAKE — There’s another new face in Winona Lake town government.
Barry Andrew was ready to step into his new role with Winona Lake Town Council moments after being chosen by a Republican caucus as the new town council member on Monday night.
Andrew, 48, was the lone candidate seeking to to fill the vacancy created after council member Heather James was chosen last month by another caucus to be the town’s new clerk-treasurer after Laurie Renier resigned on Oct. 10.
Andrew sought to run for the seat this spring (and was unopposed), He’s also unopposed in today’s general election so his choice to fill the remaining portion of the vacancy was an easy one for the caucus members.
Minutes after being chosen and signing paperwork, Andrew headed into his first initial duty, an executive session with town council, then followed by a public town council meeting.
the executive session was held shortly after the 6 p.m. caucus meeting and was followed by a 7:15 p.m. regular council meeting.
he works as the Director of Kosciusko County Community Corrections and has been involved in corrections for nearly two decades.
He said he thinks his background, especially in terms of budgeting, can be a benefit and hopes to address issues the town has faced in the past year.
“We all know this town has had a rough few months,” he said, adding that there needs to an emphasis on “treating people with respect and dignity and making sure we’re leading by example.”
His new role on town council, representing Ward 4, extends his family’s legacy of public service. His grandfather, Porter Polston, was a Warsaw City Council member and his uncle, Randy Polston was a longtime educator and now sits on the Warsaw Community High school board while also running Combined community Services.
He said he looks forward to carrying on the legacy.
