Eck seeking Democratic nomination to run for District 1 commission seat
Jasper businessman Gary Eck is seeking the Democratic nomination to run for the office of Dubois County Commissioner representing District No 1.
This district, which consists of Madison, Patoka, Harbison, Columbia, and Boone Townships, is one of three districts in Dubois County. While the candidate must reside in this district, all county voters are involved in the election of all commissioners.
Incumbent Democrat Larry Vollmer has announced his intention to run for the office as well.
Eck, 59, owns and cofounded Eck-Mundy Associates, a business that specializes in computer and telephone technologies for small and middle size businesses, government, and non-profit organizations in Dubois and surrounding counties since 1993.
“The relationships and trust built through Eck-Mundy with our clients have given me great insight into the inner workings of our community,” Eck commented. “Every day I strive to deliver budget-conscience solutions while providing a great working environment with insurance and benefits for our employees. I promise to deliver that same energy as
your next commissioner.”
Eck is a summa cum laude graduate of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Economics. He was also the Valedictorian of the 1974 class at Jasper High School.
He is an Indiana-licensed Professional Engineer and has served as the chairman of the Evansville/Owensboro Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
He and his wife, the former Marlene Hautsch of Haysville, reside in Boone Township on his Hoosier Homestead Farm. His children are Stephanie Durbin of Pontiac, Illinois, Jennifer Schnieders of Bretzville, and Brandon Eck of Evansville. He has three grandchildren.
Having been involved in agricultural production from childhood until recently, Eck understands the problems of the farming community. Eck pointed out, “We sometimes overlook the importance of Dubois County agriculture. In addition to providing income to the farmers, their business needs translate into scores of jobs in equipment and facility sales and
services, feed processing, fertilizer and crop care, utilities, fuel, and transportation industries. Plus agriculture provides economic diversity that buffer the fluctuations in other industries. Maintaining our roads and bridges must continue to be recognized as crucial for this important economic segment.”
A life-long member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Boone Township, Eck has served as council president, children’s Sunday school teacher, children’s choir director and is currently a church organist and pianist.
Eck is an active mentor for the Memorial Hospital Alzheimer’s Support Group where he shares his past experiences with families dealing with dementia. He has been a 4-H leader and is also a member of the Dubois County Museum, Redevelop Old Jasper Action Coalition (ROJAC), the Farm Bureau, the Dubois County Cattlemen Association and a Jasper Optimist Club board member. He just concluded serving as the chairman of the Dubois County Democrats.
“Just as my grandfather William Eck did by serving on our county council almost a century ago, I want to work for continued progress for the current and future generations. I want my grandkids to have the opportunity to grow and live in this very special place,” Eck said. “I am humbled by this opportunity to be your next commissioner. While building a successful technology business from scratch, I have been blessed with strong, trustworthy relationships with so many fine people in every corner of the county. I will serve Dubois County with the energy, integrity, and pride that our residents deserve.”