News : Election 2016: Hertle to seek re-election; Frese to retire as supervisor

During Tuesday’s supervisors meeting, Don Frese and Terry Hertle discussed their plans. Frese said he plans to retire at the end of this term. He has represented District 3, which includes the southern tier of townships, as well as the southwest area of Benton County. Hertle, who represents District 2, the north and northwestern areas of Benton County, including Vinton, said he plans to seek one more term.

Both Frese and Hertle were elected to their first term in 2012.

The filing period for candidates seeking county office begins today and ends at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 30. This is for the June 7 primary election, when county Democrats and Republicans will choose which candidates will represent their parties in November.

Four county offices are up for re-election in 2016: The supervisor seats currently held by Terry Hertle and Don Frese, and the offices of sheriff and auditor.

Both Auditor Jill Marlow and Sheriff Randy Forsyth have announced that they will not seek re-election this year.

Todd Wiley represents District 3, including Urbana and the northeast portions of the county. He is up for re-election in 2018.

Only one candidate filed papers on the first day of the filing period. Hayley Rippel, who has worked in the Benton County Auditor’s Office for 18 years, is running in the GOP primary for auditor. Vicky Schwenker has announced her plans to run for Auditor in the Democratic primary.

Two former candidates for Sheriff have plans to run as Republicans, and will both be on the primary ballot.

Ron Tippett ran in 2004, the year that Forsyth was elected to replace Ken Popenhagen. Forsyth won over Tippett in the GOP primary then went on to serve 12 years. Vince Snyder has run for Sheriff as a Democrat the past two elections, but is now running as a Republican.

Click HERE for a link to election information, including candidate guides and polling places.