LeMaster is GOP choice (10/04/06)

Maria LeMaster, a Jay County native whose job has taken her often to the Jay County Courthouse, will be working there full-time beginning Monday.

LeMaster was chosen Tuesday by county Republican precinct committee chairpersons as Jay County Treasurer. She replaces Fran Milthaler, who was killed in an automobile accident in southern Indiana last month.

LeMaster, who as a searcher for title companies the past five years has spent lots of time in a variety of courthouse offices, said this morning that "I've been fortunate enough to have a job that requires me to learn what these offices are about and some of the duties that are required."

Carla Horn, chairman of the Jay County Republican Party, said this morning there were five applicants for the position. LeMaster was chosen on the first ballot, meaning she received at least seven votes among the 12 precinct committee chairpersons who were in attendance at the caucus.

"I think the precinct committeemen had confidence in Maria and that she'll be able to do the job," Horn said.

LeMaster, a 1990 graduate of Jay County High School, serves as vice president of LeMaster Title Services alongside husband Greg LeMaster.

She will retain her interest in the company but resign her position as searcher and receptionist.

"I've always seen myself running for a county office ... I'm excited about getting in there and trying to make a difference in the community," she said this morning.

The couple has a son who is a seventh grader at East Jay Middle School and a daughter who is in the fifth grade at East Elementary School.

LeMaster has been involved with the Jay County Republican Women for several years, and also currently serves as vice-committeeman for Wayne 4 Precinct. She has served as a poll worker and a delegate to the Indiana GOP Convention.

She is also a member of the Southside Church of Christ and the Portland Evening Optimist Club.[[In-content Ad]]