2026 Primary: Owen County Commissioner

Norman C. Warner – R

I moved to Owen County in 1986 after college to secure employment. I met my wife Lori in 1987 and after we were married, we decided to settle down and raise our three sons in Owen County. Two of my four grandchildren also live in Owen County so my commitment to our community is personal and ongoing.

I have served this community for the last 40 years in one capacity or another. Some of those include a church board member, Vice President of the Monroe Owen Football League, licensed sports official, Member and President of the Owen County BZA and Planning Commission, member of the Owen Valley Athletic Boosters, sponsor for sports complex teams, sponsor of 4H awards, keeping the book and running the clock at Owen Valley High School, and coaching sports from youth through varsity level.

I have also held the position of IT Coordinator for Spencer Owen Community Schools for many years.

When I was caucused into the Commissioner’s seat in May of 2025, I took on the position with the same commitment that I apply to every position I have held. I ask for your continued support and your vote in the upcoming primary election.

How will your experience serve you in this position?

This is a more difficult question to answer as a commissioner than it would have been before I took office.

I attended meetings for years ahead of being caucused in and thought I knew what to expect. I have found that what I knew before serving was just a small portion of what the job entails. You are basically on call 24/7. One of the hardest answers to give a taxpayer is there’s not enough money to do what they asked. Weighing the cost versus impact and safety is a large portion of the job.

I feel that my experience across several disciplines will make me the best candidate for the office. My time serving on the BZA and Planning Commission gives me a better understanding of the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinances. My day job as IT Coordinator gives me insight into the technology needs of the county and how best to implement hardware and software to accomplish tasks. My experience with grant funding and paperwork gives me a better understanding of the rules and regulations governing the processes we must follow. Lastly, my approachability may be my best asset.

What issues do you hope to address and how?

The most visible issue is the county roads. Funding support for the roads is limited, and therefore our ability to repair them in mass is outside the scope of the current funding mechanism. I would like to see us address road repairs based on need. I would also like to get the roads on a rotation so we maintain them before they are beyond repair. Another issue is county offices such as the coroner’s office operating out of marginal facilities. I would like to address these as financing becomes available.

What else should the public and voters know?

I have always traveled to every site when I served on the Planning Commission and BZA. I never asked for mileage because I consider that part of the job. I continue with that practice when I go out to see roads or talk to taxpayers. It’s the way I do business and another way to give back.

Additional Candidates

• Jeffery Johnson (R) did not submit a questionnaire response.