Governor Mitch Daniels makes a stop in town for lunch Friday, greeting local residents
(Talk of the Town photos by Lyn Lancaster) Governor Mitch Daniels' visit to Columbia City for lunch Friday was a topic of conversation for many. The informal event enabled the Governor to speak with local residents about issues of concern to them. Above, Daniels talks with an unidentified man. At bottom, Daniels visits with a group of local residents, including Scott Dailey, second from right, and Jim Macino, far right.
By Lyn Lancaster
Big G's in Columbia City was a little busier than usual on Friday as word spread quickly Governor Mitch Daniels would be stopping by for a bite to eat.
The Governor was touring the WorkOne sites in Elkhart and Fort Wayne and took the time to stop for lunch in CC, saying he had his favorite places and his staff heard this was a good place to eat.
This is the third time the Governor has stopped at the local restaurant, according to owner Gary Parrett, who added some extra staff today for the special event.
"It's an honor and a pleasure to have him here," said Parrett, adding this is the first time Big G's has really publicized the stop.
The Governor took the time to greet and visit with a number of local residents. Northern Heights Elementary first grader Dillon Sheiss had the chance to visit with Daniels and ask him what it was like to work for a President. Daniels said it was a tough job and a lot of hard work, but he enjoyed it.
Sheiss said he was nervous at first, but when the Governor sat down across from him he seemed "just like a regular guy."
"He'd make a nice third grandpa if I could pick one," he added. Sheiss and his uncle, David Sheiss, talked with Daniels about agriculture and the value of the family farm.
Daniels said "As I drove up here and watched the fields go by, I realized that in times like we are in now people should appreciate agriculture all the more."
Several lunch-goers thanked Daniels for the work he had accomplished. "Our folks have done a good job," said Daniels.
Upon taking a quick glance at the menu, Daniels turned to a group of gentlemen from W.A. Jones and asked for their recommendation. They were quick to suggest a tenderloin sandwich, which Daniels enjoyed while visiting with several other workers who stopped in for lunch.
Local elected officials and business people also were present. County Council President Tom Western hoped to have a moment to visit with the Governor and discuss the ramifications of House Bill 1001 and the proposed changes to local and county government, however the Governor’s focus was to talk with the residents of Whitley County about the matters weighing on their minds.
