Starke County Indiana Democratic Party

Congratulations to all the winners on Election Day, including Nancy Dembowski, Oscar Cowen, and Nick Bourff. It’s good to see us holding on to those offices and even gaining one. Condolences to the losers, next election sets the stage for a larger campaign as it’s a presidential election as well.

Thanks to Starke-County.com and WKVI.com for being at the election night party and providing coverage. WKVI did a fantastic job of live on-air coverage of the election, and collaborated with me to get some videos up on youtube.

New phone system for Starke County to include Annex, Courthouse, Sheriff’s Department, Prosecutors Office and Highway Department was approved Monday night October 19, 2009 and is waiting for in installation which should be within the next 6 weeks.

The system is predicted to save the county approximately $2,000 per month on their current phone bill or approximately $120,000 over a 5 year period.

The cost $81,476 will be paid from a loan secured from Demotte State Bank in Knox in 4 annual installments at the rate of 3.9% with no fees for the loan.

The Starke County Council opted to borrow the money to keep cash in the Cumulative Capital Fund for emergency and building maintenance cost.

The Starke county council met last night. They worked out terms to purchase a new phone system, as well as created a rainy day fund. The coroner and judge needed some additional funds to continue through to the end of the year.

Council and Commissioners are looking into a new phone system for Annex, Courthouse, Sheriff Department and Highway Garage. This system cost is $85,000 for all 4 building, both boards are interested in keeping all offices uniform for future use, service and updating

The new system should reduce the monthly phone bill by approximately $2,000 by upgrading and switching over to Digital opposed to the current analog system.

The monthly cost for the new system should be approximately $1,770 assuming the company that the county is in negotiations finances the new phone system at 0% interest for 48 months as they have indicated they would.

Chuck Estok

Hi, I am Chuck Estok your current representative on the Starke County Council.

I feel privileged to be your representative here in Starke County. My wife Janice and I are lifelong residents, we have 2 daughters who also live in Starke County. We know the struggles our citizens face everyday in this great community making ends meet. My pledge to you is to continue to listen, while making your concerns my concerns. After all it’s you, the taxpayer, I work for.

Vote Chuck Estok County Council November 7.