North Indy News

Mark Gourley, incumbent Vice President of the Starke County Board of Commissioners, is seeking the Republican nomination for re-election to his seat representing District 1. The primary election will be held on May 7.

According to BallotReady.org, Gourley is running for re-election in the GOP primary against Anthony "Tony" Black, Justin B. Risner, and Michael VanDeMark.

Gourley has been serving on the Starke County Board of Commissioners since January 2021. According to his LinkedIn page, he previously worked in the Starke County government as a veteran service officer and IT director.

In a press release, RED PAC Chief Strategist Charlie Kolean endorsed Gourley, saying he was a candidate that shared "our values of supporting private property rights, championing fiscal responsibility, and tirelessly working towards enhancing government transparency." Kolean said that Gourley "[reflects] the conservative ideals that guide our efforts in rural economic development.”

Gourley spent six years in the U.S. Navy as a damage controlman. Following his military service, he earned an Associate of Science degree in computer networking/information technology from Purdue University North Central.

According to the Indiana County Commissioners, the county board of commissioners acts as the executive body of the county and shares legislative duties with the county council. The board of commissioners has the authority to pass ordinances in a number of broad areas, including supervising road and bridge construction and maintenance, developing programs to cultivate economic progress, auditing and authorizing disbursements for the county, and appointing members to serve on various boards, commissions, and committees. The commission is made up of three members, each representing one district, who are elected to four-year terms.