Randy Gentry takes Vigo County Council seat for District 4

Randy Gentry is the newest member of the Vigo County Council after a Republican caucus selected him to fill the District 4 vacancy.

Gentry, who also is Vigo County Republican Party chair, was the only one running for the seat, which became vacant when Republican Travis Norris was elected Vigo County coroner in November.

Gentry won his caucus by acclimation, with District 4 precinct committee people participating.

The Vigo County Council now is comprised of five Republicans and two Democrats.

Gentry said he’s been a public servant at the local, state and national level.

“I feel we are at a crossroads in our community,” he said. “We’ve got new leadership across the board in the county. ...We’ve built a great team, and I’m kind of excited to be part of that. I want to make our community the best that it can be.”

He said he has the skill sets and the background. “It’s the right time and the right opportunity,” he said.

He is employed as director of external affairs for the Indiana state treasurer, Daniel Elliott.

The Vigo County Republican Party met in a series of caucuses and meetings Saturday to fill several office vacancies that resulted for various reasons late last year.

The resignation of long time Riley Township advisory board member, Bob Rogers, left a vacancy in Riley. The election of Brad Anderson to the Vigo County Council last year resulted in a vacancy on the Honey Creek Township advisory board. And the passing of longtime serving Prairie Creek Trustee, Fred L. Wilson Jr. resulted in a vacancy in Prairie Creek.

After a series of three caucuses and one meeting at the Vigo County Public Library, the vacancies were filled by members of the Vigo County Republican Party County Committee.

Jennifer Norris assumed the role of Riley Township advisory board member, and Dusty Havens assumed the role of Honey Creek Township advisory board member. Gentry took County Council membership for District #4, and Stephen Kerr was appointed to the position of Prairie Creek trustee.

All candidates were sworn-in by Vigo County Clerk LeAnna Moore and assumed their roles effective immediately. Each new official will serve the remaining term left by their predecessor.

“This is a good day for our county as some very qualified individuals have taken the step forward to serve our community, Gentry said in a news release. "We are all excited to join our fellow Republican office holders across the county to help make a positive difference.”