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GOP Caucus selects Jake Widner to fill vacancy on Greencastle City Council
A caucus of GOP precinct committeemen appointed Jake Widner Friday evening to fill the vacancy on the Greencastle City Council left by Tyler Wade, whose resignation became effective May 29.
Widner was among three declared candidates for the at-large position. As councilor, Widner will represent the entire city and serve the remainder of Wade's term, which expires in 2023.
Putnam County GOP Chairman Beau Baird expressed excitement for the appointment.
"Jake has an excellent opportunity to leave his mark on Greencastle at an early point in his career. I'm eager to see him embark on a long journey of public service, and I know that Greencastle will benefit from his energy and drive," Baird said.
A 2018 graduate of DePauw University, Widner works as associate director of the Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP) at Ivy Tech Community College in Greencastle, which provides students with the opportunity to earn an associate degree in 11 months instead of the traditional two-year track.
Locally, Widner is a political newcomer, but had expressed interest in serving on the Greencastle Commission on Human Relations when it was first formed. Should Widner keep Wade's assignments, he will be able to serve on the commission as the council's appointee.
Current GOP city councilor, Cody Eckert, offered words of praise for the 24-year-old.
"I think those who appreciated Tyler's kindness, pragmatism and fearlessness in speaking up are going to find Jake to be cut from the same cloth. He brings a strong sense of fairness as well as a phenomenal work ethic, and he even follows Tyler's footsteps as the youngest person on the council," Eckert said. "He's really going to be an excellent addition."
An avid sportsman and Eagle Scout, Widner volunteers extensively, offering his time and effort to support several organizations in either an advisory capacity or as a board member, including Boy Scouts of America, Rotary International, Habitat for Humanity, United Way of Putnam County and Sigma Nu fraternity.
Widner did not necessarily expect the opportunity to serve Greencastle in such a position, but expressed gratitude for the appointment.
"I am humbled and honored to be selected as Greencastle’s next city councilor. Greencastle is a place near and dear to my heart and I look to continue my involvement with all citizens to make Greencastle an even better place for families, friends, and neighbors to work and live," Widner said. "Over my term I hope to learn, listen, and serve to the best of my ability and look forward to greeting familiar faces and meeting new ones very soon."