By Brian M. Boyce
TERRE HAUTE — Vigo County Democratic Party officials will caucus Thursday in search of a new county commissioner for the First District.
Nine residents have applied for the position most recently occupied by David Decker, who resigned in April as part of a plea agreement to a federal charge of methamphetamine distribution.
Among the nine is James M. Helton, 57, a retired firefighter and first responder. Helton grew up in Terre Haute and now lives in the home in which he was born. After starting in the local EMS in 1969, he spent most of his career in the Franklin and Wayne townships of the Indianapolis-area fire departments. Helton is a Vietnam veteran, serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1971 to 1974 and an additional eight years in the Air Guard.
Robert Moreland, 62, is currently a precinct committeeman from Nevins Township, and serves as the maintenance director Vigo County. In that capacity, Moreland has worked directly under the commissioners for 10 years, following his retirement from J.I. Case after 21 years and a stint in maintenance at The Village Quarter.
Moreland also serves on the Nevins Township Board.
Attempts to contact Robert G. Love, the ninth candidate, were unsuccessful.
In addition to Moreland, Helton and Love, the candidate roster includes Curtis DeBaun IV, John R. Prather, the Rev. C. Dwayne Malone, Cindy Wallace-Andrews, Michael Ciolli and Larry Bryan Kelsheimer.
The vacated position of commissioner requires candidates to live in District 1, which covers the eastern third of Vigo County, roughly divided along 19th Street through the city of Terre Haute.
Reporter Howard Greninger contributed to this story.
Brian M. Boyce can be reached at (812) 231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
