Published: May 07, 2008 12:18 am            

Vigo County Council at-large: Incumbents win nominations

TERRE HAUTE — Incumbents are one step closer to finishing what they started as the Vigo County Council at-large candidates.

Both the Democratic and Republican incumbents Mark D. Bird and Mike Morris earned the most votes of all the candidates in Tuesday’s crowded primary election with 11,854 and 2,103 votes respectively.

“I’m glad I led the ticket,” Bird said. “I feel like I do a pretty good job for the council.”

If elected in November, both men will serve their second terms.

Morris wasn’t surprised about the results — instead, he was pleased, he said.

“I try to be honest and truthful about the things that are going on and sometimes people don’t always want to hear that,” he said. “But I’m upbeat about the place we live here, too, so I think they’re OK with that, too. I’m pleased that [voters] believe in me.”

Bird and Morris will face off against Democrats William C. “Bill” Bryan and Ed Ping, and Republicans Angela Miller-Treadway and Tim Hennessy. Voters will elect three.

Having served as a county commissioner from 1999 to 2007, Bryan said his win could be attributed to name recognition and the fact that “I know how to do anything in county government.”

He said he now plans to take a couple of days off before gearing up for campaign for the general election.

Ping also plans to take some time off to catch up on some much needed sleep before starting again, he said.

Although the next election will have fewer choices for voters (Tuesday’s primary featured 14 candidates in the two races combined), Ping said he’s not sure that it could be considered any easier a race.

“… The numbers are going to be cut down, but it’s going to be a really rough campaign yet,” he said. “I’m going to be out there campaigning with the public in mind; this is our opportunity that I want to present to them to help everybody progress with their lives.”

Miller-Treadway is also ready to get her campaign under way for November.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to run for the council,” she said, “and have the opportunity to serve the county.”

Hennessy could not be reached for comment.

Tribune-Star reporter Brian M. Boyce contributed to this report.

Crystal Garcia can be reached at (812) 231-4271 or crystal.garcia@tribstar.com.

        

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