Talk of the Town - Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) County GOP chairman Jim Banks explains the caucus rules to the 34 precinct committee members present. Behind him, the ten caucus candidates await their opportunity to speak. From left behind Banks, is precinct committee member David Lefever, caucus official Barb Overdeer and candidates Max Zimmerman, Dick Kyler, Doug Schrader, Jim Macino, Cheryl McDevitt, Paula Reimers, Doug Eber, Scott Darley, Steve Smith and Matt Boyd.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

After multiple rounds of voting, the final decision was down to just two candidates vying for a caucus seat on the Whitley County Council.
In the end, the 34 precinct committee members were tied between Paula Reimers and Matt Boyd.
The crowded room was buzzing with each voting cycle. One tie. Two ties. After a third go-round, Reimbers gained a majority of the caucus votes and was declared the winner.
Per caucus rules, the county GOP chairman, Jim Banks, could have chosen a winner to break the first tie, but two weeks ago stated publicly that he had no intention of doing so. He said he would allow the precinct committee members to make the final determination -- no matter how long it took.
"The process was difficult," Reimers said this evening just as the reality of the evening's win was settling in.
"Every candidate gave excellent speeches and worked to be there," she said.
Candidates were initially presented by a friend or family member who gave a two minute speech. Candidates then had three minutes to speak about their platform. With 10 candidates, this process took awhile!
"We went several rounds losing a candidate or two each time. After we tied twice chairman (Jim) Banks asked the precinct representatives what they would recommend," Reimers said. "Walt Crowder recommended that we each be given an opportunity to speak for two minutes and answer questions."
When they voted again, Reimers was the winner.
"I feel incredibly honored to get a chance to work with the County Council and Whitley County  constituents as the first Council woman!! I look forward to working hard and making a real difference in our County... and I mean that."
"I love Whitley County and have a very high regard for the responsibility that comes with the position. I have watched elected officials for a very long time and feel that I have hopefully picked up the best of each of them."
We will have additional information about Reimers and the caucus tomorrow morning right here on Talk of the Town.