By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Republicans chose Joe Irwin to fill the vacancy created by the unexpected death of Mike Long for the District 2 Kosciusko County Council seat.
Irwin, a 52-year-old grain farmer who lives in Atwood, pledged to represent the interests of agriculture and find a balance between growth and preservation
As it turns out, Irwin won’t take long to embrace that challenge.
He’s expected to move into Long’s role on the county plan commission, which will consider a rezoning request for a controversial 500-acre data center near Leesburg on April 2.
Irwin acknowledged the upcoming decision, declined to comment but suggested he’s ready.
“And I will — I will do so accordingly,” he said.
Irwin also offered a reflection on replacing Long.
“Mike was a friend and a neighbor of mine. It was a hard decision to do it, but I also felt like somebody in the ag industry needed to fill those shoes that he did so well,” Irwin said.
He was selected over three other candidates who sought the seat through a Republican caucus held Wednesday night at the courthouse. Those included Mason Charlton, Mike Schafer and Renee Wilson
Wednesday’s decision by 16 precinct committee members was made after one round of secret balloting.
Charlton, 22, was unable to attend because he was on a trip to Europe as part of his final semester of classes at Indiana University Indianapolis. Cindy Dobbins, a member of the Warsaw City Council, spoke on behalf of Charlton and talked about Charlton’s participation in political activities and interest in politics while also pointing out his fiscally conservative approach.
Schafer talked about his career in farming and agricultural affairs, adding that he believes farmers need to endure some short-term pain during President Donald Trump’s tariff campaign. He also said he thinks northeast Kosciusko County needs more representation.
Wilson talked about her background as a parole officer and pointed to the need for a bypass to improve traffic on US 30.
