WARSAW — John Barrett, an attorney who was appointed to a vacant Kosciusko County Council at-large seat a week ago and attended his first council meeting on Thursday, has resigned, citing conflicts of interest.

Kosiusko County Republican Party Chair Mike Ragan said he received the letter of resignation on Monday, but said he was made aware there was an apparent issue on Saturday when he had lunch with Barrett.

The conflict is connected to his role as a contracted public defender.

His letter, dated Monday, was effective immediately and said the decision was made with a heavy heart.

A caucus to replace Barrett will be on Feb. 10, Ragan said.

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WARSAW — Rarely does Kosciusko County politics provide upsets and surprises, but that was the case Tuesday night when Republicans chose John Barrett over Brad Jackson to fill a vacancy on county council.

Fifty-six precinct committee members cast secret ballots, and a majority chose Barrett, a political newcomer who waited until just a few days before the deadline to seek the seat.

He and Jackson both said they found the outcome a bit surprising, and Barrett said he thinks the county is "ready for a new voice."

In a brief acceptance speech afterward, Barrett thanked everyone for their support.

You know, one of the great things about these caucuses is you get to decide, and tonight a decision was made, and I'm ready to hit the ground running," Barrett said.

He was also quick to recognize Jackson’s 28-year legacy as a former county commissioner.

“We all know Mr. Jackson. He’s a gentleman, plain and simple. He’s done an awful lot of work for this county over the years, and I think we should all give him quite a hand,” Barrett said as the crowd responded with strong applause.

Jackson, who originally planned to run for District One in the upcoming election, changed gears after the unexpected resignation of at-large councilwoman Delynn Geiger and quickly chose to participate in the caucus.

Reporters asked Jackson afterward if he would revert back to his original plan and run for the seat currently held by Kimberly Cates.

“I’m going to think for a little bit,” Jackson said.

Cates has yet to announce whether she will seek re-election.

Election filing begins Wednesday.

Barrett will fill out the remaining three years in Geiger's term.

Council's first meeting of the year is on Thursday night.

[caption id="attachment_125092" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Kosciusko County Republican Chair Mike Ragan, left, addresses GOP precinct committee members Tuesday night before the caucus vote. Further to the right are the two candidates, Brad Jackson and John Barrett. Ragan later announced Barrett was the winner. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

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