2026 Primary: Owen County Council

District 1

Lori Warner – R

Hi, I’m Lori Warner and I am running for Owen County Council District 1. The skills set I bring will be a positive contribution to the council. Hard working, dedicated, thorough and approachable are attributes that describe me best.

My grandparents were Darrell “Windy” and Betty Hendricks. My parents were Mark and Cheryl Burnham. I am a 1988 graduate of OVHS and a 2007 graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University. I have been married to Norm for 38 years. I have three sons: Bryan, Brandt and Brandon. I have four grandchildren: Savanna, Colton, Henry and Ryan. I have worked at Cook for nearly 38 years.

As a lifetime Owen Countian, I love my community, and I have always tried to give back and contribute positively when I can, including: mentoring at PES for S-OCS; Delta Theta Tau Sorority member; sponsoring one or more teams for OVSC softball/baseball; elected Republican Committeeman for Montgomery Township; assistant coach for elementary aged girls’ softball; judge for the Patriot Expo at OVHS; supporter of the Owen County 4-H by sponsoring awards for winners; participant as a walker in the Owen County Cancer Relay for Life; scorekeeper at Naz ball basketball games (Spencer Nazarene Church); and helping youth director at church and assisting with many projects and activities with the teens including a mission trip to Kentucky.

I would be honored for your vote and support as your next councilwoman for District 1.

How will your experience serve you in this position?

I have a degree in business from Indiana Wesleyan University. I have worked nearly 38 years at Cook working in many facets of the business including manufacturing, quality and packaging. Currently, I am a Quality Engineering Specialist dealing with other Cook employees around the globe to solve issues. Having been in management previously, I learned the importance of dealing with different personalities and working together to achieve a common goal.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I am hardworking, dedicated, thorough and approachable. I believe it is important to attend every meeting and be willing to prepare for every meeting. I am prepared to make a commitment to the great people of Owen County to always show up and be prepared and ready to discuss current topics.

What issues do you hope to address and how?

I would like to address the accountability of additional appropriations. Over the past few years, it appears that additional appropriations have been needed in several departments. I would like to see checks and balances with the additional appropriations. Also, I would like to see if and how the additional appropriations can and should affect future budgets.

What else should the public and voters know?

I am a person who will serve Owen County honorably. I have been raised to be a person who will always give their best. I will respect the other council members’ opinions and experience. I will strive to make Owen County the community where others will want to raise their families, like I raised my family, and be proud to call Owen County home.

Additional Candidates

Loretta Foster (R) did not submit a questionnaire response.

District 2

Anton Karl Neff – R

It is an honor to represent District Two on the Owen County Council and currently serve in leadership as Vice President. I am a 1995 graduate of Owen Valley High School and a 1999 graduate of Indiana University. I am a 23-year employee for the Duling family as an agent with Duling & Bloomington Insurance Agencies.

I have been active with a variety of community organizations, projects and committees over the years. My parents are Tony and Vicki, and we have been residents of Owen County for over four decades. My wife Shannon, daughter Sadie and I reside in the Town of Spencer.

How will your experience serve you in this position? Why are you the best candidate?

I have actively served in county government for over 23 years. My extensive budget knowledge, understanding of public finance and familiarity of processes and systems are very valuable in my line of service. Department observations and shadowing opportunities, voluntary continuing education and networking both within and outside of Owen County has helped me become a better public servant.

I am a current Director and past President of the Association of Indiana Counties (AIC), past President of the Indiana County Councils Association (ICCA) and currently represent Indiana on the National Association of Counties Board of Directors. I have earned recognition from my peers having been named Indiana’s “Outstanding County Council Member” in 2015 by the AIC/ICCA, a recipient of the AIC’s top honor for a county elected official the “Arthur R Himsel Award” in 2024 and designated as a “Sagamore of the Wabash” by Indiana’s 51st Governor Eric Holcomb.

My legislative advocacy work on behalf of counties at the state and national levels gives me in-depth knowledge and understanding of key issues, which keeps me current. Owen County Government is a multi-million-dollar operation, and we should act like it. It takes a team to make that happen, and I value participating in a collaborative manner. I have a passion for serving and take it very seriously.

What issues do you hope to address and how?

A key challenging issue is our jail facility. Its design is functionally obsolete, and the effects of its age come at a cost. On the financial part, the council had committed to work within existing budget and tax capacities and already earmarked $1,315,000 for an annual bond payment. We also have more than $4 million saved for a project.

A variety of issues have put estimated project costs beyond what we can afford though. We need to explore alternatives that aren’t exclusive to just a new facility. Our approach and cost need to be looked at through the individual inmate level and seek ways to efficiently address those.

We are facing significant financial challenges involving changes to Indiana’s property and income tax systems. The type, distribution and use of such revenue will have to be recalibrated in the coming years. Being fiscally responsible is always a must, but we need to fully understand how the new systems will work and have a multi-year, detailed plan to address it. We will have to partner closely with other taxing units, like towns, fire departments, schools and the library, to mitigate the negative impact this will have as much as possible.

We must also have more resources for county roads, but how much money we get for maintenance, construction and resurfacing is primarily dependent on the laws and distribution formulas set by state legislators. Local officials and the public must speak up and pressure the state to support changes that help rural counties like ours.

What else should the public and voters know?

I strongly believe in communication and transparency. Constituent service is a top priority, and I like to listen and engage on county government subjects. I welcome whatever questions or feedback comes my way and strive to respond in a respectful and professional manner.

I also field a lot of questions beyond my role as a council member and am happy to refer or direct people to the appropriate contacts. For anyone interested in being tuned in to a wealth of information and variety of resources relating to county government, I recommend following my Facebook page under Owen County Councilman Anton Karl Neff, and if I can be of assistance with anything, my e-mail is anton.neff@owencounty.in.gov and my telephone number is 812-829-4254.

Additional Candidates

Sandra K. Calvert (D) did not submit a questionnaire response.

District 3

Don Bingham – R

My name is Don Bingham, and I am running for the office of Owen County Council Representative for District 3. My wife Tammy and I have resided in Owen County for more than 30 years. We actually built the first home in Owen County after the county adopted their building codes.

I started working at the age of 13 as a busboy and continued working for the next 50 years. As Director of Operations and Purchasing for Beasley Food Service, I worked closely with local, state and federal entities overseeing the safety of my employees and our customers while meeting budget requirements and ensuring profitability. Beasley Food Service was purchased by Troyer Foods in 2007, and I was given the position of Food Service Purchasing Specialist, serving a five-state area with sales of $250,000,000+ annually.

I left the food service industry in 2017 and became the Economic Development Coordinator for the Owen County Economic Development Corporation. In this position, I worked with federal, state and local government offices to help retain, expand and attract businesses to Owen County. Along with those responsibilities, I facilitated the Owen County Redevelopment Commission, maintaining their financials and minutes, creating agendas and assisting in conducting their monthly meetings. When the commission was audited by the State Board of Accounts in 2020, no errors or discrepancies were found.

The knowledge I have acquired in my professional life will be valuable and beneficial if I am given the opportunity to serve Owen County as Council Representative for District 3.

What issues do you hope to address and how?

If I am elected, I will do my best to see that we provide the optimal service to Owen County residents while staying within our budgetary constraints. At one time there was an interlocal agreement between the Town of Spencer and the county which resulted in one building department and one attorney for both entities, ensuring continuity throughout the county and reducing costs for both parties. I would like to see this revisited.

I also believe it would be beneficial to pursue creating a grant writer position for the county, if not full-time, possibly as a part-time position. At minimum, reach out to the DePauw School of Business and Leadership or IU SPEA to work with them in our grant writing process.

What else should the public and voters know?

Forty-four percent of the population of Owen County is 50-years-old or over. That is about 63% of our tax roll. This should be a concern to all of us. We have to attract new residents to Owen County if we are to maintain or expand the infrastructure we all depend on.

Change is inevitable; it is the responsibility of our elected officials to guide and direct that change in a positive direction to benefit the residents of Owen County. Failure to act affects us all. Conversations of a new jail in 2018 had estimated costs of $16 million. Eight years later that cost is now $29 million and probably will exceed that. Errors in reporting to the state lost us $385,000. Corruption has cost us hundreds of thousands more dollars. We’ve been talking about creating an HR position for over a year.

Create the change you want and let your voice be heard in celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary by voting this May 5!

Mark Snapp – D

My name is Mark Snapp, Democrat candidate for County Council District 3. I currently reside one mile west of Vandalia with my wife, Nancy. We’ve lived here 43 years, raised two children, Stephanie and David, who graduated from Owen Valley and have degrees from ISU and Rose-Hulman, respectively. Nancy is a retired educator, having 37 years in the field with 32 of those years in the Spencer-Owen Community Schools. We attend Shiloh Wesley Chapel in Owen County.

My experience in the political realm includes more than 30 years as precinct committeeman and vice-committeeman in both Lafayette and Morgan townships. I have also served two four-year terms on the Owen County Council.

My involvement in the community arena includes serving on the board of the Vandalia Community Preservation Association as past president and as a member for over 25 years. While working for Area 10 Agency on Aging, I was placed in charge of Rural Transit operations in Owen County for several years while also being assigned a driver route, volunteering many hours of time chauffeuring our senior citizens. I presently serve on the Farm Bureau Board, volunteering at the Owen County Fair as well as contributing yearly to the 4-H Council. I also have experience in the business field, owning and operating Main Street Antiques in downtown Spencer.

How will your experience serve you in this position? Why are you the best candidate?

My well-rounded experiences in the community, including eight years as a county councilman, will serve me well as the District 3 representative. With over 60 years of roots in this community, I offer the stability and dedication needed to move us forward.

What issues do you hope to address and how?

As I am running unopposed in the primary, issues within the county will be addressed in the fall.

What else should the public and voters know?

My priority is ensuring every tax dollar is spent wisely to modernize our infrastructure and pave the way for Owen County’s future. I want everyone to know that I’ve dedicated my labor, my resources and my heart into this beautiful county and plan to continue as long as I am able.

District 4

Andy Wood – R

Andy Wood was raised near Arney, Indiana, where he makes his home today. He is the son of Danny Wood, of Coal City, and Terry Walker, of Arney. Andy is married to Stacy (Anderson) Wood and has children, Melvin, Kelci, Katie and Eli, and step-children Caleb and Grant. He is the grandfather of Addilyn, Owen, Dean and Hank.

Wood currently serves as Director of Recruiting for TRISTAR in Bloomington, Indiana. He has previously served 10 years on the Owen County Council and is a US Army retiree with 20 years of service.

Andy is a 1994 graduate of Owen Valley High School and a 2002 graduate of Oakland City University, with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. He has also obtained a Master of Arts from Liberty University; and Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Management from Colorado Technical University.

Andy is a member of Owen Valley Christian Fellowship. He is a member of the Spencer post of Veterans of Foreign Wars (life member), Coal City post of American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America (life member) and Spencer Masonic Lodge. He also serves on the Owen Valley High School Ag Advisory Council.

How will your experience serve you in this position? Why are you the best candidate?

I bring over a decade of direct experience in county government, having served 10 years on the Owen County Council, including roles as both president and vice president. During that time, I worked through budgets, policy decisions and the day-to-day realities of local governance. This experience provided a clear understanding of how county government operates, where challenges arise and how to make informed decisions that balance competing priorities.

In addition to my local government service, I am a retired military officer with 20 years of service. Throughout my military career, I was entrusted with significant responsibility, including managing multiple accounts and overseeing more than $39 million in property and equipment.

My experience also extends into the private sector, where I worked for my current employer, a defense contractor, managing a $4 million contract. In that role, I was responsible for financial oversight, performance management and ensuring that objectives were met efficiently and effectively. Currently, I serve in the position of Director of Recruiting.

I hope to bring the leadership I have acquired over the past 30 years to the council and use it to bring informed decisions to our taxpayers.

Lastly, I am currently running unopposed for county council.

What issues do you hope to address and how?

The most pressing challenge facing our county today is fiscal solvency. At its core, this means ensuring that we can sustain current spending levels without risking default on our financial obligations. Responsible governance requires more than balancing budgets year to year—it demands long-term planning and disciplined decision-making.

Another issue is the need to properly fund the new jail project. This is not simply a matter of construction—it is about meeting legal requirements, ensuring public safety and maintaining financial responsibility. The project must be approached with a clear understanding of both immediate costs and long-term operational impacts. I remain open to all viable solutions that address these needs while preserving the county’s financial health.

Infrastructure, particularly our county roads, represents another critical priority. Many of our roads are in urgent need of repair and improvement. While it is true that much of the funding for these projects is influenced by state-level funding formulas, we cannot afford to be passive at the local level. We must take initiative by investing in the right equipment, maintaining it properly and ensuring we have the personnel necessary to meet our obligations.

Finally, we must recognize the value of our county employees. They are the backbone of local government, and their compensation should reflect the responsibilities they carry. To remain competitive and retain qualified individuals, we need updated, data-driven salary benchmarks. From there, we must commit to a structured plan that moves employees toward appropriate mid-point and high-point pay targets.

What else should the public and voters know?

That I am here to serve and work only for the county’s best interest. I am available at 812-585-1279 or cptwood151@gmail.com.

Additional Candidates

• Mark Anthony Searcy (R)
• ‍Lynda Sands (R)