Burton resigns

Commissioner Gary Burton announced his resignation from the position of District 1 commissioner for Owen County, IN, effective April 30, according to an April 25th press release from Owen County Republican Party Chair Kristi Risk.

Burton had announced his intention to resign via email sent earlier in the week to Risk, councilman Verl Keith, and fellow commissioners Sam Hobbs and Dave Risk.

"With the increasing need to assist family members in their time of dealing with health issues, as well as maintaining two additional properties, not including my personal and business obligations, I have decided to step down as Owen County Commissioner, District One. I will not be able to commit the time needed to represent the taxpayers as they should be," Burton said in the email and was quoted in the press release.

Burton was first caucused into the position on Sept. 11, 2018, filling the seat left vacated by Donnie Minnick. Billy Roberts had already secured the bid in the primary earlier that year for the Republican Party. Roberts passed away in January 2019, shortly after taking office. At that point, Burton was caucused in to serve the remainder of Roberts's term. In 2022, Burton was elected to the position with the term scheduled to end at the end of 2026.

"I want to acknowledge the six-plus years of dedication from Gary Burton as District 1 commissioner and thank him for the time he has spent serving the people of Owen County. We wish Gary and his family the best and our prayers are with them all," Hobbs, who serves as president of the board of commissioners, said in the press release.

The Owen County Republican Party will hold a caucus to fill the District 1 commissioner position at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 29 at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., Spencer. Those interested in running to fill the position should contact Kristi Risk at 812-821-2490 or by email at ocgopchair@gmail.com for more information. The caucus itself is open to the public.

"The Owen County Republican Party thanks Gary Burton for his dedicated service and wishes him the best in his future and sends prayers for his family situation," the press release reads.

Attempts to reach Burton for further comment were unsuccessful, at first due to scheduling conflicts with The Owen News and then from no response from Burton.