Road commission will have new member

St. Joseph County commissioners agreed Tuesday to replace a 12-year member on the road commission board.

The decision, which was not unanimous, sparked a minor debate about the value of experience over the merits of someone new with a fresh perspective.

John Bippus, who is concluding his second, six-year term on the five-member road commission board, was not renewed following the 4-1 vote. Taking his place will be Three Rivers resident Jack Coleman, who most recently was runner-up in the August primary election as a candidate for 59th House District.

The two were interviewed Monday evening by a seven-member panel that included county commissioners Dan Czajkowski and chairman Dennis Allen.

Allen said both interviewed well but the majority of the interview committee felt Coleman was best for the job.

Commissioner Ken Malone, who cast the dissenting vote, said he doesn’t agree with the idea that replacing experience is a prudent move.