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The 2020 elections are behind us--a relief to all of us as we’ve heard a lot about those elections every day for a long time. We get a bit of a break in 2021; there are no elections to be held.
The Chamber has kept close tabs on the 2020 results. Though the Presidential election garnered most of the attention, it is the state and local races that will likely have the most impact on the businesses we serve.
For the first time, the Chamber brought you Candidate Conversations, a one-on-one interview with the candidates and Chamber President & CEO Jeff Rea. The series proved popular, as many of you have shared that those interviews were helpful in your determination of a candidate on key local races. Watch for similar work in future elections.
School Board
Top attention was given to school board races in South Bend and Mishawaka. In South Bend, school board incumbents John Anella, Leslie Wesley and Stephanie Ball won re-election. Jeanette McCullough joins as a new school board member. The school board has a lot on its plate, with the development of a new strategic plan, the implementation of the efficiency study recommendations, and the investment of the referendum proceeds. Important work and tough decisions lie ahead, and the Chamber plans to watch closely and make sure the voice of the business community is heard during these crucial steps.
Mishawaka welcomes two new school board members, with the additions of Angela Layman and Mellissa Johnson. Both are familiar faces as they have been long involved in the corporation and community in a variety of ways. They replace Dick Currey and Jeff Emmons, two board members who played critical roles in the turnaround of the Mishawaka school system.
County
St. Joseph County welcomes one new county commissioner in Derek Dieter. He replaces Dave Thomas. Dieter joins Commissioners Andy Kostielney and Deb Fleming. The three commissioners serve in a role that is like the “mayor” of the county, heading up the county’s executive branch. The Chamber is encouraged by this change, as Dieter, a former South Bend Common Council member and small business owner, has historically been a good friend to the Chamber.
State
Two local changes to take note of on the state level. Jake Teshka will replace Ross Deal in Indiana House District 7. Maureen Bauer replaces her father, B. Patrick Bauer, in Indiana House District 6. The Chamber has had great cooperation in the past with their predecessors and anticipates similar partnerships in the future with these two new officials.
The elected officials who represent our region at the local, state and federal levels have an important impact on what happens at your business. As such, advocacy has been a top priority of the Chamber. It is important that your voice be heard. Over 100 years ago, business leaders decided that the collective voice was more influential and formed the Chamber. We are proud to continue the great legacy. Stay tuned throughout the year on key updates on the work of these individuals, and all of those who represent your area.
