When District 67’s State Rep. Cleo Duncan (R-Greensburg) steps down from her position at midnight on election night next year, someone will have to step into the role.
Hoping to fill that spot as State Representative is Decatur County Assessor and resident Tami Wenning, who officially announced her candidacy at this week’s regular meeting of the local Republican party.
“I’ve always thought about it,” Wenning explained. “I waited on Cleo to decide she was finished with it.”
The State Representative seat from District 67 serves all of Decatur County, most of Rush and Ripley Counties and some of Franklin County. Wenning is banking on her past experiences as Decatur County Clerk, Decatur County Assessor and her service with the Soil and Water Conservation District.
“I like to help people,” Wenning said.
Her years in public service began in 1998, when she was elected to the Decatur County Clerk position. A few years later, she moved on to become the Decatur County Assessor, taking a short trip downstairs at the local courthouse.
“You do it to sort of make county government user-friendly. I’ve really enjoyed working at the courthouse. You get to meet a lot of different people,” Wenning said. “I’ve always prided myself on being able to help people there.”
Though she is hoping to ultimately become the State Representative for District 67, the hurdle that is the May Republican Primary election must first be crossed. Wenning noted that she will be able to complete her term as Decatur County Assessor no matter what happens with her campaign bid.
While toiling in the assessor’s office, Wenning said that she was the one who is often called upon to walk local students around the Decatur County Courthouse when they are on field trips or visiting. She added that she hopes to carry her knowledge of local and county government to the state government, were she afforded the opportunity by voters.
“When legislators are in there pondering the latest law, I want to bring my county expertise,” Wenning explained.
One of the biggest problems at the state level, Wenning said, was that by the time laws are made and trickle down to the real level, they no longer seem based on common-sense.
Though Wenning has spent most of her time working for the people of Decatur County, her work has taken her across county borders when she tended to different projects like watersheds and conservation education programs.
Though her campaign is still young and there is much work to be done, Wenning said she has received a positive response so far, even from some unexpected places. Her biggest supporters come from inside her own family, including her husband of 24 years, Dan Wenning, and her children Jason and Danielle. She said that her kids grew up around politics and had been involved in the process in different ways throughout their lives. Her children’s’ friends have even gotten into the process as a result of Wenning’s different campaigns.
With her children grown up and Cleo Duncan’s departure from the Statehouse, the timing was right for Wenning to step into the ring.
“I decided I may as well do it,” she said.
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