Alberson to serve again (12/01/06)

It's not a new face and it's not a new name, but Jay County has a new treasurer.

Robin Alberson, who served in that post from 1996 through 2004, was chosen by the Republican Central Committee Thursday night to fill the spot.

She replaces Maria LeMaster, who was named by the committee to the post in November to fill the unexpired term of Frances Milthaler, who was killed in an auto accident in southern Indiana in September. Citing personal reasons, LeMaster resigned just one month later.

"I appreciate the committee's faith in my abilities," Alberson said following the results, "and I'm so happy to be serving the public again."

She was chosen on the first ballot by the 11 precinct committeemen who were present Thursday night.

Alberson was first named treasurer in 1996 to fill the unexpired term of Judy LeMaster, who captured the recorder's job in the election that year.

Alberson then was elected to the maximum two consecutive terms in office.

In September 2005, she was hired as a payroll clerk in the Jay County Auditor's office, and has been assisting in the treasurer's office since the resignation of Maria LeMaster.

"We are so very happy," Sandy Cadwallader, a deputy in the treasurer's office said as she hugged Alberson Thursday night. "We all get along so well in there."

"You bet," Sharon Schmit said about having Alberson return to the office. "She's the best boss we ever had."

Four other candidates - Jim Kelly, Jim Randall, Martin Stump, and Ed Wellman - had also put their names on the ballot for Thursday evening's caucus at the Jay Community Center.

Kelly, Randall and Stump are all residents of Portland or rural Portland, while Wellman is a rural Bryant resident.

Asked during the candidate response session prior to the election Thursday night if she would be willing to seek re-election, Alberson said "yes."

Alberson's term in office will end Dec. 31, 2008, with election for the office held in November of that year.[[In-content Ad]]