Three Whitley County Patriots members announce bids for Whitley County Consolidated School Board
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Three Whitley County Patriots members have announced their candidacy for the Whitley County Consolidated School Board. Above, from left, are candidates Lee Aumsbaugh, Dick Eckert and Terry Smith.
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On Wednesday, August 11, three local members of the Whitley County Patriots filed their respective petitions to be candidates for the Whitley County Consolidated School Board -- Herschel L. Aumsbaugh, Dick Eckert and Terry Smith.
Herschel L. Aumsbaugh, better known as "Lee", is a local businessman operating Aumsbaugh Flooring at his new store on US 30 and Lincolnway. He gained his flooring experience from his father while working with him in the McClain and Aumsbaugh Furniture store in downtown Columbia City.
Aumsbaugh honorably served in the U. S. Air Force and on the Columbia City and Churubusco police forces. He also attended seminary.
"I not only want to be able to offer my business experience to the community to make our schools a better place for all children, but I also have 8 grandchildren (soon to be 9) who deserve a quality education and future as well," Aumsbaugh said.
Richard "Dick" Eckert is an electrical engineer, program manager and business development manager. He has concentrated his career goals in the area of air traffic control for both Raytheon and ITT where he sat on numerous boards that have given him technical, managerial and political insight.
Eckert said, "It is time that fiscal responsibility be a key element of our county's schools. In a tight economy, and even in a flourishing economy, rational and logical thought should be applied to a progressive path forward."
"Opposing views are very healthy to achieving reasonable goals and consensus," added Eckert. "I believe I can employ my experience in achieving these goals."
Terry Smith has been a practicing attorney in Columbia City for 35 years. Starting in 1976, he has been active in this community, having serving as co-chair of the bicentennial committee, an officer in the local, district and state American Legion and president of Indiana Special Olympics.
Smith was legal advisor for Whitley County Senior Citizens and the Opportunity Center. He has served many appointments to the Indiana General Assembly Interim Study Commission for military and veterans issues and he has been a keen observer of local politics. He also taught economics in the Indian Springs Middle School for Junior Achievement.
Smith believes his common sense conservative ideas are what are needed to help guide the school board through this recessive economy.