Retrospect: Candidate visited Jay Co.

A Democratic gubernatorial hopeful touted the need for tourist areas as he made his way through the area four decades ago.

Forty years ago today, Lt. Gov. Robert Rock, the Democratic nominee for governor, visited Jay County and gave his support for the efforts of state residents to develop new recreational sites.

“Recreation is important to help the state grow industrially and I support efforts made in this direction,” he said on his way to the dedication of Amishville USA near Berne. He added Jay County needed to form a county park commission to give the area a master plan to receive federal aid in constructing a lake in the county.

He also praised the Jay County Fair as one of the few places to catch good harness racing, saying it is dying out because it could no longer be financially supported.

“Paramutual betting would help support racing,” he said, noting there would be a referendum on the ballot that November to either allow or reject such betting.

He also focused on the issues of the upcoming election, including education and road systems. He hoped increased taxes statewide could help improve both.

Rock, who served as lieutenant governor from 1965 to 1969, lost the 1968 gubernatorial election to Republican Edgar Whitcomb. Rock received 47.13 percent of the 2.04 million votes. Whitcomb won with 52.72 percent.

Rock later went on to serve as the mayor of Anderson from 1972 to 1980.