Three candidates seeking vacant District 1 commissioner seat

The proverbial floodgates have opened.

Less than two full days into the filing period for county offices in 2024, three men have already filed paperwork in their intent to replace the retiring David Berry as District 1 Putnam County commissioner.

As of 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, Andy Beck, David Fuhrman and Don B. Hatfield have all filed paperwork to seek the Republican nomination for the commissioner’s seat in the Tuesday, May 7 primary election.

The filing period having just opened on Wednesday, the trio represents half of the filings so far for county offices on the ballot.

The other three candidates who have filed so far — all Republicans — are currently unopposed in their bids.

Current Putnam County Council President Stephanie Summitt-Campbell is seeking a second term in one of three at-large positions on the seven-member council. Larry Parker and Phil Gick currently fill the other two at-large positions.

Kristina Berish is also seeking her second consecutive term as Putnam County auditor and fourth term overall.

In addition, Karrie Minor is seeking the GOP nod for Putnam County treasurer, with current Treasurer Kathy Minnick limited to two terms.

Other county offices on the 2024 ballot include District 3 commissioner (currently Tom Helmer) and county coroner (currently Todd Zeiner).

In state races of local interest, for Greencastle City Councilor Veronica Pejril has announced her intent to seek the Democrat nomination for Indiana State Senate District 24, while Brett Clark and Anne Engelhardt are seeking the Republican nomination.

Current District 24 Sen. John Crane will not seek another term.

Republican State Rep. Beau Baird will seek a fourth term as District 44 representative.

The filing period for the primary runs through noon on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Potential candidates for county or township office may stop by the Voter Registration Office on the second floor of the Putnam County Courthouse or download the forms from the Indiana Secretary of State website, www.in.gov/sos.

For state office, forms are also available at the Secretary of State website.

Anyone with questions regarding candidate packets may call the Putnam County Voter Registration Office at 655-1538.