with headshot photo

Winchester man files to

run for County Council

By BILL RICHMOND

City editor

Winchester resident James W. "Jim" Byrd recently announced he has filed to run as an Independent candidate for Randolph County Council - At Large in the November 4 election.

"I am seeking this office with several objectives," Byrd said. "First, there are dramatic financial changes with the new property tax laws for county government that demand serious consideration. Second, the present and future condition of our county roads needs serious attention. Third, there is a need to review all local governments and their services and look at consolidation possibilities that would result in savings for taxpayers. Fourth, I want to make it a priority to keep Randolph County in the economic development forefront to continue to provide the best employment opportunities for our citizens. Fifth, I believe I will bring new ideas and perspectives to the county council."

Byrd is a former executive director of the Randolph County Economic Foundation and a past and founding board member of the Randolph County Community Foundation. He is involved with Randolph County Tech. and has been a member of the Randolph County 4-H Inc. board for more than 20 years. He has been on the 4-H Livestock Sale Committee since 1981.

Byrd is a member of Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity where he serves as vice-president. He is a past president of the Lynn Lions Club and past vice president of the Winchester Chamber of Commerce. He is the public address announcer for Winchester Golden Falcons basketball and has been a licensed high school official for the past 30 years starting several track contests each year.

He is a member of Winchester Congregational Christian Church.

He is self-employed and has maintained his own accounting and tax business for 27 years. He also has his real estate license and is the operations manager for EZ Towel Promotions. He also previously owned Progressive Data Services, was partner in Homecasting.net and was operations manager for Dreams Unlimited.

Byrd has three children and one granddaughter. Jared, fiancée Tanya, and granddaughter Delaney reside in Decatur. Jordan is a student at Ball State University and Darcy is a student at Indiana Wesleyan University.

"As a lifelong resident of Randolph County, I believe my past business experience and economic development experience make me very qualified for the position of Randolph County Council at Large," he said. "I pledge to serve all the citizens of Randolph County to the best of my abilities. Seeking this office as an independent, I have no alliance with any one political party. I am a good listener and I can make decisions. I appreciate your support and vote in the November 4 election."

Additional information is available at www.electjimbyrd.com.