A decision on Jasper, Indiana’s next mayor is set for Jan. 16, when 13 GOP caucus members will choose a successor to outgoing Mayor Dean Vonderheide, whose resignation is effective March 31. Two candidates are in contention: Ryan Craig, supported by mid-States Corridor proponent Doug Bawel, and Phil Mundy, president of the Jasper City Council, who has publicly opposed the project.

This as Indiana Republican Carey Hamilton filed a resolution in the Indiana State House opposing the Mid-States Corridor Project, which would allow residents of Jasper and Dubois County to vote on its construction. The project’s estimated cost could surpass $1 billion.

Residents are encouraged to contact the caucus members before the Jan. 16 meeting to express their views, especially as polls show 81% oppose the corridor. Contact information for the caucus members has been provided, and constituents are urged to reach out regardless of citizenship status.

The caucus members are:

– Craig Greulich (812-630-2659, craigg@psci.net)

– Deena Lewis (812-630-9314, deenalewis.gop@gmail.com)

– Roger Messmer (812-630-6378, rmessmer@psci.net)

– Ryan Schuetter (812-639-2923, ryanschuetter@yahoo.com)

– Linda Ackerman (812-631-1304, dal@twc.com)

– David Bromm (812-630-2636, dbrommcpa@psci.net)

– Nancy Eckerle (812-630-5526, gtefamily@hotmail.com)

– Doug Uebelhor (812-639-6234, d_uebelhor@hotmail.com)

– Michael Jones (812-630-2468, martinfritchfarms@gmail.com)

– Merrill Osterman (812-639-1261, merrillosterman@twc.com)

– Darren Patterson (812-631-2352, darren@darrenpatterson.net)

– Amy Kippenbrock (812-309-0115, amykippenbrock@gmail.com)

– Terry Seitz (812-630-3929, tseitz1@gmail.com)

Voters and residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming decisions that could impact the community and region.