[First printed in the Party Matters email newsletter] The Elkhart County Republican Party wants you to know your candidates. Throughout the run toward the May Primary Election, we will be posting Q&As with your candidates to help introduce (and re-introduce) them to you – the Republican voter! All Republican candidates in the race are contacted. We continue this series with candidates running for Elkhart County Treasurer.

Candidate Bio

My family moved to Elkhart County when I was a young child. My siblings and I are all graduates of Concord High School. Elkhart County is home, and I raised my three sons here where they all graduated from Concord as well.  I am the proud grandmother to my 8-month-old grandson who brings me so much joy.

I have served Elkhart County in the Auditor’s office for nearly 13 years. During my time as Auditor, I have worked hard learning all aspects of my role including but not limited to county budgeting, property tax deductions and abatements, tax distributions, payroll and claims and have taken numerous training opportunities made available to me to sharpen my skills through the Indiana Auditors Association, State Board of Accounts, Department of Local Government and Finance, Association of Indiana Counties, and National Association of Counties. I pledge to be just as committed to furthering my professional development and understanding as your next County Treasurer.

Community Involvement:

  • Member of Crossroads Community Church
  • Member of PSI IOTA XI Sorority
    • Currently serve as the secretary
  • Member of Elkhart County Republican party
    • Currently serve as a Precinct Committeeman for Concord 30
    • Served as State Delegate in 2018.
  • Member of the Elkhart County Republican Women’s Club
    • Currently serves and the Vice Chair
    • Served several years as treasurer.
  • Member of the Goshen City Republicans
    • Assist with their Annual Reagan Day dinner.
      • Assist with their pancake and sausage breakfast.

Question 2: Why did you decide to seek election to this office? – The current Treasurer has reached her term limit, so she is unable to run for re-election.  Over the last six or so months there have been some significant changes in staffing in the Treasurer’s office which has resulted in the loss of a great deal of knowledge and experience in the office.  I have served Elkhart County for nearly thirteen years and felt called to run for the Treasurer’s position because I believe the knowledge and skills I have gained specifically in my role as Auditor will help to make a smooth transition to the role of Treasurer.

Question 3: What do you feel are the main issues facing the office of treasurer? I feel the biggest challenge currently facing the Treasurer’s office is a lack of experience.  Due to the turnover of some key staff members in the last six or so months the Treasurer’s office has lost a great deal of experience.  Ensuring all staff members know and understand their role and cross training of everyone, so if someone resigns or retires the office is still able to run seamlessly because other staff members are able to step in and fill different roles.

Question 4: How does the treasurer work with the rest of county government? The Treasurer’s office works closely with the Auditor’s office daily on all financial transactions to ensure there are internal controls and checks and balances are done.  The Treasurer also plays a role on the County Board of Finance alongside the three County Commissioner’s.

Question 5: Why have you decided to seek election as a Republican candidate? My beliefs align with the conservative core Republican values of fiscal responsibility, keeping taxes low and the minimal but efficient government.

Question 6: How can voters get in touch with you and stay updated on your campaign? Voters can get in touch with me by visiting my Facebook page at Patty Pickens for Elkhart County Treasurer, by emailing me at [email protected], or they can call/text me at 574-370-1222.

My name is Cynthia ‘Cindy” Chadwell, and I am running for the Republican Nomination for Elkhart County treasurer in the May 7th,2024 Primary.

Having been involved in our Local County Government as the Recording Secretary of the Elkhart County Council and my work in the financial department of the Elkhart County Auditor’s Office which includes but is not limited to the Distribution of Tax Dollars, Appropriations and Budgeting just to name a few of my responsibilities since 2018.

Prior to coming to E.C. Government my experience was in Management/Leadership, Financing, Accounting, Bookkeeping and Writing Grants. In the professions of Director of a halfway house, Office Manager/Collections/Small Claims Arbitrator for a local Counseling Center. For several years I was a Mortgage Loan Originator at First Union Financial Services.

I have always been very concerned about Taxes, Customer Service and the local governments responsibility to be responsible Custodians of your local tax dollars.  I believe there are workable solutions available that will enhance the programs in place while managing to make suitable changes for better quality of Customer Service and increase E.C. Tax Dollars by making wise investments for the present and for future generations.

My Community Involvement:

  • I was an active member of Kosciusko County Drug Court Board.
  • Elkhart County Re Entry Initiative
  • Fairfield High School Alumni Association, for several years I volunteered working fundraisers and working as a check out clerk for the Blue & Gold Gala Auction.
  • E.C. Poll Worker
  • And I currently serve on the E.C. Employee Appreciation Committee.
  • I am a Graduate of Fairfield High School and have a BA in Business Administration from IUSB.
  • I come to you as an experienced , educated, lifelong resident of Elkhart County with a strong commitment, community ties and family values to be your next Elkhart County Treasurer.