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Three candidates vying for auditor spot on Republican primary ballot

(From left) Cheryl Baldridge, Jill Landrum and Don Schoeff.
(From left) Cheryl Baldridge, Jill Landrum and Don Schoeff.

Three candidates are running for Huntington County Auditor on the Republican ballot in the upcoming May 8 primary election, Cheryl Baldridge, Jill Landrum and Donald D. Schoeff Sr.

The candidates were each asked the questions, “Why are you seeking, or seeking to retain, this office? If you are elected what do you hope to accomplish?”

Cheryl Baldridge
Baldridge, 53, resides at 4611E-610N, Roanoke. She is employed as a Huntington County deputy auditor and real estate broker with Century 21 Bradley.

She graduated from Fort  Wayne North Side High School in 1983 and attended Columbus Community College, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and Bob Troyer Real Estate School.

Her memberships include UPSTAR, Board of Realtors and Awakening Church.

Baldridge did not list any previous political experience or offices held.

She responded to the questionnaire by saying, “Advance myself from the deputy auditor for over the last five years to the auditor. Keep taxpayers informed as Indiana laws change with accurate and up-to-date information. Continue to be friendly and be a professional leader. Bring the experience and knowledge of the workings of the auditor office.”

Jill Landrum
Landrum, 46, resides at 5132 N. Old Fort Wayne Rd., Huntington. She is employed as an administrative assistant at Huntington North High School in the athletic department.

She graduated from HNHS in 1989 and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in sociology, majoring in law and society, from Purdue University in 1992. She also obtained a real estate appraiser trainee license in 2001.

Landrum is a member of Union Church and Tri Kappa Sorority.

She has no prior political experience.

Landrum responded to the questionnaire by saying, “I am running for the office of Huntington County Auditor because I believe it would be a great opportunity to serve the citizens of our county. I have lived in Huntington County all of my life and desire to give back to our community. In addition to my leadership and work ethic, I have had a variety of experience in the workforce that makes me a qualified candidate for this position. Some of these areas include accounts payable and receivables, payroll, property values, plat maps and state and federal compliance in different industry sectors, and with the State Board of Accounts.

“If elected, I would complete state auditor training, and learn what the responsibilities are for each position in the auditor’s office and also encourage cross training within the department. This would allow me to see what areas are working efficiently, and the areas that could use improvement, if any. I believe that as an employee of the people of Huntington County, it would be my responsibility to make sure that the office runs smoothly with accuracy and efficiency, while providing a friendly atmosphere for the office employees and citizens of our community.”

Donald D. Schoeff Sr.
Schoeff, 75, resides at 452 S. Broadway, Huntington. He is retired.

He studied at Indiana University and graduated from the Indiana State Police Academy. He also obtained a Realtor and broker license following graduation from the Bill Miller School of Real Estate. He received a license from the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers and attended the Indiana Training as Real Estate Assessors, receiving accreditation as a real estate assessor.

Schoeff is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, Fraternal Order of Police and SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Schoeff served eight years as a Huntington County Commissioner, three years on the Andrews Town Board, eight years as Huntington County Auditor and two years on the Huntington County Council.

He responded to the questionnaire by saying, “Even though I served the public for eight years in this office and was able to make several changes that improved the efficiency and cost savings for the county, there are so many changes that could be made to improve the office.

“I have always believed that we should meet the public with a smile and at the counter, and if we are not able to help them make sure we direct them to the correct office with an explanation of what they need to do. In addition, do everything in our power to make sure they receive the proper respect.

“I have always worked well with the State Board of Accounts and I am sure that would continue. Working with the council, the commissioners and office-holders is very important in preparing the budget for the county and I have those skills, knowledge and ability to accomplish that task.”