Leonhard, Premer square off in District 2 primary (04/26/06)

A former Jay County Commissioner is running against a former Jay County Councilwoman in Tuesday’s primary for the council seat for District 2 (Knox, Penn, Greene, Jackson, Bearcreek and Wabash townships).

Michael Leonhard, who served two terms as Commissioner of the North District before losing in the primary several years ago, is facing Mary Lu Premer, who served two terms on the county council in addition to eight years on the Jay School Board.

Premer, 424 South Ind. 1, Dunkirk, is a 1954 graduate of Portland High School. A retiree, she and husband Philip Premer have a son and a daughter.

She attends Pennville United Methodist Church and is an alumni of Delta Theta Tau sorority of Redkey.

Leonhard, 876 East 300 North, Portland, graduated from Portland High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict.

He has been owner/operator of M&E Construction for 17 years and previously worked at Portland Forge.

He is married to Carole Leonhard and has six children and eight grand-children.

Leonhard is a member of the United Methodist Church, American Legion, Portland Evening Optimist Club, Bryant Lions Club, Jay County Historical Society, Jay County Cemetery Commission, Veterans of Foreign Wars and is current governor of the Portland Moose Lodge.

The candidates recently answered questions submitted to them by The Commercial Review. Their responses follow.

Why are you running for county council? What makes you qualified for the position?

Leonhard — To improve our county by making better use of our tax dollars. I’m qualified because I served as Jay County Commissioner for eight years. I have an excellent understanding of the operation of each county department because as a commissioner I either met or conversed with each department weekly or more if needed.

Premer — I would like to return to public service so I can try to make a difference in our community. I am qualified to serve as I have had many years experience in township, school board and county council offices.

What do you believe to be the most pressing issue before the council now? What is your position on that issue?

Leonhard — Funding for roads. Keep making use of funds available, money from state, the road tax, wheel tax and use of Infrastructure Fund.

Premer — At this time I am not familiar with any pressing issues before the council. When I am elected to the board, I will listen to all concerns and issues in a fair manner and base my position on the information available at that time.

Briefly describe what you see as the role of the county council.

Leonhard — Fiscal body of the county.

Premer — The council serves as the financial arm of the county. They are responsible for approving budgets of all county offices, including salaries.

If there is one thing you want to make sure the voters know about you or the office you are seeking, what would that be?

Leonhard — As an elected member of the county council I will, to the best of my ability, represent our present and future generations in making decisions that are for the best interest of today and tomorrow’s citizens.

Premer — I am experienced and willing to serve as your next council representative. I will be available to listen to your concerns, and will do the best job that I can. I would appreciate your support.[[In-content Ad]]