Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The first person to file for the Kosciusko County Council at-large seat vacated by the resignation of John Barrett is Will Stockdale.
Barrett, a Warsaw attorney who was chosen to fill the at-large seat Jan. 6 by a caucus after the resignation of DeLynn Geiger effective Dec. 12, resigned effective immediately Monday, Jan. 12.
In a news release from Stockdale, a Warsaw-based attorney and small business owner, he said he is seeking the Republican nomination at the 6 p.m. Feb. 10 caucus to fill the vacancy following Barrett’s resignation.
Stockdale said he is prepared to step into the role immediately and serve with integrity, dedication and a steady focus on responsible fiscal governance.
“I’m asking the precinct committeemen for their vote and their confidence,” Stockdale said. “If selected, I will serve our county with disciplined financial thinking, careful analysis, and practical problem-solving — while staying committed to the conservative principles that make Kosciusko County a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
Stockdale grew up in Clunette and Leesburg and is a graduate of Warsaw Community High School. After high school, he married his high school sweetheart, Kayla Stockdale, and served three and one-half years in the United States Army at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He later attended IPFW and earned his law degree from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
Stockdale is an elder law attorney, focusing on estate planning, Medicaid and special needs planning. He believes this experience demonstrates the fiscal discipline and attention to detail needed on the county council.
“Taxpayer dollars deserve the same responsibility families use when planning for their futures,” Stockdale said.
Stockdale also emphasized his longstanding commitment to service. He currently serves as vice president of the Kiwanis Club of Warsaw and sits on the boards of Grace Village Retirement Community, Joe’s Kids and Kosciusko Senior Services.
“As a veteran, attorney and volunteer, I’ve lived a life of service,” Stockdale said. “Volunteer service strengthens our community, and I lead by example.”
Stockdale and his wife, Kayla, are raising four sons, ranging in age from 7 years to 2 months. He described himself as a fiscally conservative Republican who supports limited government, personal responsibility and public trust.
“I believe the more local the government is to the people, the more responsive and effective it can be,” Stockdale said. “My goal is to be a responsible steward of county finances and to bring a steady, service-oriented perspective to the work of the county council.”
The caucus to replace Barrett on the county council will be at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 in the old courtroom of the Kosciusko County Courthouse.
The council member shall be elected by a secret ballot of the majority of the voting caucus members to fill the office vacancy. Candidates must reside in Kosciusko County and be a Republican in good standing.
Declarations of candidacy are available at the office of the Kosciusko County Clerk of the Circuit Court, 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw, and must be filed with Kosciusko County Republican Party Chairman Mike Ragan no later than 72 hours before the start of the caucus. Ragan’s phone number is 574 -265-1430.
Eligible candidates will be allowed a maximum of three minutes to address the voting caucus.
