Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN - Keith Claassen resigned from the Etna Green Town Board on Friday.
Kosciusko County Republican Party Central Committee Chairman Mike Ragan said the resignation was effective immediately.
In a telephone interview, Claassen said, “I’ve got medical problems and personal problems between me being an amputee now, and my process for getting around wasn’t so bad, but my wife’s in the nursing home now so between my medical and her medical and our personal problems and complications, I can’t dedicate enough of my time to (the town board) that I need to. I just need to step down.”
On Aug. 27, 2024, Claassen was reappointed to the board by Ragan after Jason Hanes stepped down Aug. 7, 2024. Claassen said he had served on the council for 20 years before that. He was appointed to the board in 2004 after Andy Cook stepped down to become a town employee. Claassen said he was only off for about six months or so before being reappointed back on.
“It’s been a long-term thing that I’ve been on the council. It wasn’t something that lightly came up, it’s been a part of my life and my service to the community for literally decades. But it just got to the place where I need to pay more attention to other things. I can’t do the job justice,” Claassen stated.
Since fewer than two people would be eligible to participate in a precinct committeemen caucus to fill the vacancy, Ragan will appoint a qualified individual to the office for Claassen’s remaining unexpired term. Eligible applicants for the position have to be residents of the town and Republicans in good standing. The term expires Dec. 31, 2027.
Ragan said he will release details of appointment information over this weekend. He hopes to have someone in position by June 25.
The next Etna Green Town Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9.
