Helderman asks to withdraw; Flora convention must proceed
By Susan Scholl Editor

Flora's town convention scheduled for Thursday evening will take place despite Troy Helderman requesting that his name be taken off the ballot.

The Flora businessman decided that work and family obligations will prohibit him from giving the position the attention it needs at this particular time.

"Due to receiving some large jobs through my business that will require a lot of my attention and personal issues that need to be dealt with, I'm withdrawing from the race and supporting Vince Seward," Helderman said Monday. "Vince will do a good job for the citizens of Flora. I appreciate everyone who has supported me"

Both men filed as Republicans for the seat on Flora's Town Council that is being vacated Dec. 31 by Roger Daugherty, who is retiring at the end of his four-year term. No Democrats filed so the run-off became necessary and the winner would be the next councilman.

Flora Clerk-Treasurer Joretta Tinsman said that after contacting the State Election Board, even though Helderman said he no longer wants to be a candidate, the town convention must go forward. The cut-off for withdrawing from the election was 12 noon Aug. 1. The formality of electing Seward by a simple majority vote is required.

The convention is set for 7 p.m. Thursday at the 4-H Community Building in Flora.

Seward, a 14-year Flora resident, said that the town has three or four obvious issues that need immediate attention.

He cited the importance of trying to get the Brethren's Home reopened, continually addressing the needs of an aging sewer system and its high water table, addressing the situation with the old Flora School, and keeping a watchful eye on utility rates.

"We're going to have to be as fiscally responsible as we can on how we attack these issues for the future of Flora," Seward said. "I've tried to keep informed about these issues, but do I know every aspect, no."

"I truly believe my training the last 23 years at Excel Coop has prepared me for this job, starting with my ability to work with the general public solving problems.

Seward said one of his strengths is getting to the heart of an issue and solving problems that usually involve the lack of or a breakdown in communication.

"I feel I have the skills to do that," he said.

"Financially, I've worked with budgets in the multi-millions that would be no different than the town's budgets and its departments," Seward said. "My ability to look at and understand financial and operational statements would be an asset.

"My goal as town councilman will be to make good sound decisions to keep Flora in a growth pattern."

"I welcome the challenges that lie ahead," concluded Seward, "and I will serve the town to the best of my ability."