Three candidates are vying for two at-large seats on the Worthington Town Council in Tuesday's municipal election.
Incumbent Democrat Hal Harp is vying for re-election to one of the seats along with Republican challengers Malcolm Stahl and Alvin Schwartz.
Harp has served as an appointee since 2000 when the Worthington Town Council began the process to shift from an appointed body to an elected group. The other incumbent at-large council member Vern Spoor is not seeking re-election.
The 60-year-old Harp retired in 1997 after completing 37 years as a computer specialist at NSWC, Crane Division. He is an U.S. Navy veteran and active in the Worthington American Legion.
A native of the Lexington, Ky., area, Harp came to Crane while serving in the Navy and decided to stay in the region after completing his military duties. He has lived in Worthington since 1968.
Harp said he cares deeply about the Worthington community and wants to see the town continue to grow and prosper. He said he's enjoyed being a part of the council and said he takes pride in the sewer system improvements and the downtown revitalization project.
"We've had our ups and downs on the council, but I think we've accomplished a lot in the last four years. I think the town looks pretty good," Harp stated.
The incumbent councilman said he doesn't really think there are any "hot issues" in the campaign and he's running on his experience and past record.
"My interests are solely with the town of Worthington and whatever can be done to benefit the residents of Worthington," he said.
Harp and his wife, Wilma, are the parents of a one son, Will Harp, and one daughter, Sabra Stoner. Both also live in the community.
Malcolm Stahl, previously served on the Worthington Town Council for 12 years ---- 1984-96.
Stahl is making another run for a council seat because he said, "I just wasn't happy with the way the president of the council (Bill Bays) has conducted himself."
The owner of a plumbing business for the last 44 years, Stahl said, if elected, he would get "the people in town" involved with the operations of the council again.
"I know the people in Worthington and I know what it takes to serve on the council. My past experience is a plus. I know most of the people here in town do appreciate me. I stand for the people," he said.
Stahl, 66, said if he is elected residents can expect someone in the council seat who is not afraid to speak up and voice their opinion.
He's a life-long resident of the Worthington community. He and his wife of 40 years, Vicki, are the parents of two daughters Andrea Fuller and Jackie Chaney.
Stahl served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-59.
The third candidate is Alvin Schwartz, a retired teacher and administrator, who's lived in Worthington for the last eight years.
He retired from the Owen-Spencer School District where he formerly served as a business teacher, 12 years as principal of the middle school and five years as principal at Patricksburg Elementary School. He also coached basketball.
Schwartz also served as head basketball coach at Eastern Greene High for three seasons ---- 1964-66.
A native of Huntingburg in Dubois County, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.
He earned his undergraduate degree at Evansville College (now the University of Evansville) and attained his master's degree from Indiana University in Bloomington.
Schwartz said he had governmental experience when he lived in Owen County. He served two terms on the Clay Township Advisory Board, served eight years on the Owen County Community Corrections Board and worked about 15 years as the Owen County representative on the region Selective Service Board.
"I've been involved in the budgetary process and also have experience on the business and personnel side," he stated.
When asked why residents should vote for him on Tuesday, Schwartz said, "Hopefully they would see me as a person who would make decisions based on the issue and a person who would represent all of the citizens of Worthington."
He said it's no secret that the community needs jobs, but he added, "We need quality jobs and jobs that will keep the young people and make them want to stay here."
Schwartz said, "I don't have any agendas or an ax to grind with anybody. That is not why I am running."
He's the father to three daughters ---- Vicky Powell of Ellettsville, Rebecca McHenry of Worthington and Melissa Schwartz of Bellingham, Wash.
