Beck, Warren victorious in tight race for commissioner seats

Wednesday, November 5, 2008
District 3 Commissioner Kristina Warren celebrates with some of her supporters after her victory during Tuesday night's election.

Republicans Kristina Warren and Gene Beck retained their seats as Putnam County Commissioners in the 1st and 3rd districts respectively. Warren defeated Terry Clifford with a little over 800-vote difference. She had 7,414 votes with Clifford coming in with 6,525. Beck beat out Gene Clodfelter with a 723 margin. He came in with 7,344 to Clodfelter's 6,621 votes.

"I'm just so honored and grateful that the voters are giving me another four years to be their commissioner," said Warren.

Warren said she still believes the eight years she served as county auditor is both an important and unique asset she brings to the Board of Commissioners.

She brings sound financial advice to the table.

She understands the inner workings of the county government.

Warren noted, "When people call me in regard to budgets, assessed values homestead rebate checks, property taxes, etc. I can explain it to them as little or as in depth as they want."

As Commissioner she has served on the Comprehensive Emergency Management Terrorism Sub-Committee, Greencastle/Putnam County Economic Development, West Central Economic Development, Operation Life, Courthouse Security, County Insurance Committee and the Redevelopment Board.

Warren is a 1989 graduate of South Putnam High School.

She was born and raised in Putnam County by her parents Harold and Marlene Alexander, who reside in Marion Township.

She resides in Washington Township with her husband Cliff and their two children, Brett and Paige.

"There's just so much more to do in our county, and I want to be a part of it," she said. "We have two kids we're raising here, and I want make sure they're raised in a good community."

Beck has long been active in county government, serving not only as a Commissioner but also in a previous stint on the Putnam County Council and as Putnam County Highway Supervisor.

"I'm really happy. I'm just thankful for all the support and belief in me to do a good job for them," said Beck

"Roads and bridges remain our number one concern," Beck said. "One of our big accomplishments these last four years has been the new Emergency Operations Center. It will greatly improve our ability to serve the public.

"As a fellow taxpayer, I believe we need to keep tax rates as low as possible for Putnam County residents," Beck adds.

Beck says the Board of Commissioners is moving forward and always looking at ways for good economic growth, keeping quality of life in mind when making decisions.

"The current board members are there for you, the citizens of Putnam County," Beck said.

He currently serves on the Planning Commission, West Central Solid Waste and E911 boards.

Beck attended high school in Bainbridge. He graduated in 1960 from the Purdue University Ag Short Course and in 1969 from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

He is a lifelong resident of Floyd Township and operates a registered Hereford cattle farm with his son.

He and his wife, Alice, have two married children.

Their son, Andy and wife Betsy, have one child and his daughter, Kelly and husband Chadd, have two sons. His grandchildren all attend North Putnam High School.

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