The first few days of filing for the Porter County May primary is already bringing a few contested races.
Two Republicans are vying for the chance to be on the general election ballot for the County Council District 3 seat, and both parties have a contested primary election for the coroner’s post.
Filing opened Wednesday and continues through noon Feb. 9 for a wide array of county offices, including clerk; auditor; recorder; sheriff; prosecutor; Superior Court judge; coroner; assessor; Center District commissioner; and four council districts.
By Friday afternoon, Republicans Walter A. Dougherty and Mark “Coach” Hoffman, both of Valparaiso, had filed to run for the District 3 seat on the council. The spot is currently held by Republican Karen Conover.
Republicans Thomas Ampeliotis and Cyndi Dykes, both of Valparaiso, are seeking the nomination for the coroner’s spot on the ballot. One of them will face Democrat Dale Bagnall of Valparaiso or Randy Wilkening of Portage come November.
In other races:
*Republican Jon C. Miller of Chesterton, who has served two terms as recorder, has filed to run for clerk. He cannot seek a third term as recorder.
*Republican Chuck Harris of Valparaiso, who cannot seek a third term as coroner, is running for Recorder. Democrat Lily M. Schaefer of Valparaiso is also seeking the post.
*Auditor Vicki Urbanik of Valparaiso, a Democrat, is seeking a second term.
*Assessor Jon Snyder of Portage, a Republican, is running for a third term.
*Democrat Bob Poparad of Chesterton filed for the District 1 council seat, which he held for two terms before serving one term as an at-large member.
*Democrat Jeremy Rivas of South Haven filed for his third term representing District 2 on the council.
*Republican Mike Jessen of Valparaiso filed for his second term representing District 4 on the council.
*Republican Brian Gensel of Valparaiso has announced he will seek his fourth term as prosecutor.
*Democrat David Reynolds of Portage has announced he’s running for a second term as sheriff.
*Democrat Clay Patton of Valparaiso has announced he’s running for judge of Superior Court 2, a seat now held by Republican Jeffrey Clymer.
Filing with the Indiana Secretary of State so far are:
*Democrat Karen Tallian of Ogden Dunes for another term as state senator in District 4.
*Charles “Chuck” Moseley, a Democrat from Portage, for another term as state representative in District 10.
*Republican Ed Soliday of Valparaiso, for another term as state representative in District 4.
*Republican Michael Aylesworth of Hebron, for another term as state representative in District 11.
Amy Lavalley is a feelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
