By Arthur E. Foulkes
TERRE HAUTE — A Vigo County Democratic Party caucus on Thursday evening selected Michael Ciolli to become the newest member of the Vigo County Board of Commissioners.
Ciolli, 56, a former federal prison warden and Vigo County jail commander, will replace former Commissioner David Decker, who resigned his commissioner post after agreeing to plead guilty in federal court to distributing methamphetamine.
“I’m going to bring integrity and honesty to the department,” Ciolli said after the caucus selected him on the first ballot. To be elected, a candidate must garner more than 50 percent of the votes cast.
This is Ciolli’s first venture into elective politics, he said.
Ciolli will serve the remainder of Decker’s term, which ends in December of next year. The newly named District 1 commissioner said he has not decided yet whether he will seek election to the office in 2010. He likely will make up his mind after the next six months, he said.
In all, 79 precinct committee members cast secret ballots in the caucus, which lasted about 30 minutes and took place in the Vigo County Annex. Ciolli received 44 votes on the first ballot, said party chairman Joe Etling, who conducted the caucus. Cindy Wallace-Andrews received the second-highest vote total with 21. Each of the remaining seven candidates received six votes or less.
Vigo County Clerk Pat Mansard swore in Ciolli just moments after the vote.
Ciolli walked around the crowded caucus gathering after the vote, shaking hands and thanking people for their support. To those who voted for another candidate, Ciolli said, “I hope I can earn your trust.”
It was “very surprising” to be chosen on the first ballot, Ciolli said. “All I can do is say I’ll give 100 percent.”
The newly appointed commissioner will join elected commissioners Judith Anderson and Paul Mason.
Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
