An early season political round-up
Carver hosts candidate forum; Gary Rhinebarger running for county council
Carver hosts candidate forum
The Carver Community Center played host to a candidate forum on Sept. 15. Sponsored by the NAACP and the League of Women Voters, the event was notable both for who was there and who was not.
Despite election season being underway, only three Republican candidates opted to attend the forum. And they accounted for just one race: the Center Township Trustee board of directors. One of those candidates, however, made sure the event was memorable.
In an unusual twist, Republican board candidate Linda Koontz came out in support of a Democratic candidate. She endorsed Center Township Assessor Sheila Pullen for re-election to the post.
“Vote for the Democrat,” Koontz said in reference to Pullen.
The forum also was notable for the presence of two candidates seeking a spot on the Kokomo School Board. The seats are non-partisan in nature and rarely contested hotly. This year, however, 12 candidates are vying for three at-large seats on the board. Isaac White and Robert McGimpsey spoke to voters, hoping to distinguish themselves in the crowded field.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Rhinebarger running for county council
Gary Rhinebarger was born and raised as a Democrat, but he doesn’t let that define him. The 29-year veteran of Stellantis wants to set politics aside and help make the world a safer place for his grandchildren.
With that in mind, Rhinebarger set his sights on the Howard County Council.
“I want safe schools,” said Rhinebarger. “I think funding the sheriff’s department to enhance the school liaison programs and to provide better security at school events is important. Our kids need to go to school safe.
“I have five grandkids. They’re scared someone is going to come in and shoot up their school. A strong, well-trained, well-equipped sheriff’s department can help make the schools safer. I am totally against defunding law enforcement, but do we need to train them better? We do, and they need the resources to do the job.”
Rhinebarger, the former recording secretary for United Auto Workers Local 685, is no stranger to finances. He chose the county council because he felt it was a good place to start a political career. As a current member of the board of directors for Haynes Community Federal Credit Union and former member of the board of directors for Financial Builders Federal Credit Union, he feels he has the background necessary to handle the county budget.
“I’m pretty good with a budget,” said Rhinebarger.
But there is more to Rhinebarger’s candidacy than crunching numbers. He wants to bridge the political gap.
“I’m just so tired of Republicans and Democrats not getting along,” said Rhinebarger. “We’re not supposed to agree on everything, but we’re not supposed to try to destroy each other, either. If one side comes up with an idea, the other side needs to sit down, look at it, and see if there are some good points in it. Then, let’s build upon those and do what is best of the people.
“The people are the ones who get screwed with politics. The Republicans and Democrats go after each other. The ideas get thrown away. And you and I down here at the bottom don’t get anything but nasty fighting and disillusionment.”
Rhinebarger, who has spent 16 years selling real estate with The Wyman Group and Heartland Real Estate Brokers, pledged to cooperate and listen to council members from the opposing party if elected. He said he has no interest in bringing conflict to the council.
“Look, we love our country; we love our community,” said Rhinebarger. “There are two good things we have in common. Let’s sit down at the table and get something accomplished together.”