Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

ETNA GREEN — Barbara Wagoner was appointed Thursday to be the new Etna Green clerk-treasurer by Kosciusko County Republican Party Central Committee Chairman Mike Ragan, effective June 1.

The appointment came after Patti Cook resigned from the position effective May 31, citing work conditions. Cook has served as clerk-treasurer since January 2019.

Wagoner was one of two people who filed for the position, with the other being Candice Smith.

Ragan previously announced that since fewer than two people would be eligible to participate in a precinct committeemen caucus to fill the vacancy, Ragan would appoint a qualified individual for the vacancy pro tempore to the office for the remaining unexpired term.

Thursday, Ragan thanked both Wagoner and Smith for filling the position.

He said after discussions with people who contacted him about their preference of candidate, reviewing the completed declaration of candidacy applications, checking the qualifications, reviewing historical voting records, and discussions with Etna township Precinct Committeeman Steve Sechrist, Wagoner was appointed to complete the remaining term.

Ragan said Wagoner worked at Lake City Bank for several years and he thought that bookkeeping experience was probably a good thing for her to have. Her voting record was also consistent with what was required, and “I just thought she would be a good fit.”

Ragan did note he did have lots of residents contact him and there were people who were contacting Ragan for both candidates.

Wagoner said she applied for the position because she wanted to make Etna Green a better place to live.“It’s already great, we just need to add to it,” she said. She said she really likes Etna Green.

Besides working at Lake City Bank for 10-1/2 years, she said she worked in the accounting department at Gulf Stream.

She said she’s honored to be appointed to the position and will work hard to make sure everything gets done correctly and support everyone.