By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Two people have quickly indicated their interest in seeking to fill the Kosciusko Country Council seat left vacant after the death of Mike Long.
One day after GOP caucus plans were announced, two people issued news releases announcing their intentions.
The first was Mason Charlton, a 22-year-old senior who is expected to graduate in May from Indiana University — Indianapolis with a degree in business management and policy.
The other is Joe Irwin, a farmer from the Atwood area.
Both highlighted the importance of farming.
“That is the beating heart of our county. Like I said, 90 percent of our county is agricultural farmland. Anything to boost that would be spectacular,” Charlton said.
Irwin, in a prepared statement, said “It is important that we strike a good balance that allows for responsible growth while preserving the values, traditions, and resources that make our county unique.”
Charlton worked in the Indiana Senate as a legislative intern for two lawmakers and was elected as a Kosciusko County Republican State Delegate in 2024.
Irwin is President of the Atwood Lions, vice chairman of the Atwood Community Building and is a member of the Kosciusko County Drainage Board.
Charlton also proposed lowering “real estate taxes for farmers in my district,” saying they are our food supply and we should do everything we can to promote the agricultural sector.”
Deadline to file for the seat is March 16.
