Montgomery County Council Vice President Jake Bohlander has announced he will not seek re-election for a second term and will instead run for the County Commissioner District 1 seat in the 2024 Republican Primary. Bohlander has served three years on the County Council, including the past year in his role as the council’s Vice President.
Bohlander was elected in 2020 when he led a four-way race for three at-large seats with more than 28% of the votes.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving our community on county council the last three years,” Bohlander said. “It’s a privilege to work for the people of Montgomery County and I take that responsibility very seriously. I look forward to continuing to serve, but in a new role as County Commissioner.”
“Through serving on the council, I have learned the value of the county council, commissioners and city working closely as a team,” Bolander said. “I have also learned the value that positive growth can provide for our community. We do that by providing an environment that is appealing to and supportive of business development and growth, and a place that is attractive to people who want to call rural Indiana home. I believe what I have learned in three years has prepared me to serve as County Commissioner”
While on council, Bohlander has sat on the county’s Budget Workgroup, the Regional Sewer Board District, the Salary & Compensation Study Group, the Abatement Committee, the ERPS Committee, and the Convention & Visitors Commission.
As county commissioner, Bohlander states he will focus on three things:
• Addressing residential development in a healthy way to help grow the community and fit employer needs.
• Being a leader who listens to constituents.
• Supporting the county’s comprehensive plan encouraging controlled growth.
“Montgomery County has proven to be an excellent place for my wife, Morgan, and I to set our roots,” said Bohlander, who owns a Pioneer Seed dealership and farms corn and soybeans. I was born and raised on a small farm north of Darlington, and I have always appreciated the county and all it has to offer. That’s why it was so important to me to come back home after graduating from Purdue University and become a small business owner. I continue to believe it is important to have a perspective from the next generation in public service. We have accomplished a lot in Montgomery County the last several years and there’s important work still to do.”
Bohlander is seeking the seat now occupied by John Frey. Frey said he is pleased Bohlander has announced his candidacy for the District 1 Commissioner seat as he steps down at the end of 2024.
“I believe two terms are sufficient, and as such I’ve made the decision not to run for another term,” Frey said. “I’m proud of the accomplishments we’ve achieved over the last seven years I’ve served as the county’s commissioner, and I still have one more year ahead of me”. I’ve said from the start, that getting the next generation involved is critical, and I couldn’t be more proud of Jake for stepping up. He’s shown initiative and passion for his role as councilman, and I see Jake’s decision to run as very positive.”
The 2024 Primary Election is May 7. Early voting begins April 9.
