Kittie Keiffer
A race between two Republican candidates for the Huntington County Council Fourth District seat is now down to one candidate, although two names will appear on the May 8 primary ballot.
Kittie Keiffer, who will leave her current post as the county circuit court clerk, is running for the council seat. Don Davenriner, who had been a Huntington County councilman for the past 12 years and was the incumbent candidate in the upcoming primary election, died April 13.
However, Davenriner’s name will still appear on the ballot, election officials say, as it is too late to remove it prior to the election. The Huntington County Republican Party will hold a caucus to fill Davenriner’s seat through the end of the year to complete his term.
Candidates in the primary were each asked the questions, “Why are you seeking, or seeking to retain this office? If you are elected, what do you hope to accomplish?”
Kittie Keiffer
Keiffer, 65, resides at 4373 W. Division Rd., Huntington. She is currently serving as the Huntington County Circuit Court Clerk.
She graduated from Huntington North High School in 1970 and from the Bill Miller School of Real Estate in 1989. She
also attended the Indiana Realtor Leadership Academy. She established, owned and operated RE/MAX Professional Group from 2001-2016.
Her memberships include the Association of Clerks of Circuit Courts, Association of Indiana Counties, National Association of Realtors and Upstate Alliance of Realtors.
Keiffer’s previous political experience includes serving 10 years on the Lancaster Township Advisory Board.
Keiffer responded to the questions by saying, “I have had the opportunity to serve as Huntington County Clerk of Courts for the past seven years. This position is limited to two four-year terms. Even though my tenure will be coming to an end, I find I’m just not ready to hang up my public service hat!
“One of the aspects of Clerk is to work closely with County Council in determining and implementing the Clerk’s budget. It just seems natural that county council would be the perfect fit for that public service hat. Our governmental offices are in place to facilitate the needs of the taxpayer and protect their interests. The primary responsibility of County Council is to be a good steward for taxpayer dollars. I bring a unique perspective to Council by not only knowing the budgets of most departments, but also by having been on the inside to observe how that money is utilized.
“We should constantly be thinking outside the box for creative ways of bringing revenue into our county. Involvement in my community and serving on a variety of boards and organizations has taught me to work well with all types of people and personalities to accomplish a common goal.
“Budgeting, both developing and executing, has always played a role. I have had the opportunity to serve as treasurer of a 1,500-member organization with a multi-million dollar budget. I’ve also had the privilege of working with not-for-profits with budgets of very little. The job and the goal are the same. Work within your means; adjust for efficiency.
“The voters hiring me for this position can expect honesty, transparency and the highest level of integrity. They can also expect open communication with someone who will listen to their concerns and value their input.”