The Bartholomew County Council has four members elected by geographic district who are up for election this year. This week, we are focusing on Districts 1 and 2.

The First Council District covers northeastern Bartholomew County. It has been represented by Republican Chris Ogle, who is not seeking re-election.

Hoping to replace Ogle are Scott Bonnell, a farmer and Columbus Fire Department fire inspector, and Marcus Speer, the Rock Creek Township Trustee, who is also a farmer, school bus driver and minister. The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Hanna Omar in the November general election. She is unopposed in the Democratic primary.

The Second Council District covers northwestern Bartholomew County. Republican Laura DeDemonic, who is resource and philanthropy director at Mill Race Center is running for re-election and is being challenged by Glenn Petri, who now works part-time at Salt Creek Trading Company

We asked the candidates about the recent income tax hike passed by the County Council and whether they would support future tax increases.

Bonnell said he believes that the recent tax increase was needed.

Speer said that the recent tax increase seems needed, but he would be hard-pressed to approve future tax increases.

DeDomenic said she reluctantly supported the tax increase.

Petri said he is opposed to tax increases.

The primary election is May 8th and early voting is under way at the Bartholomew County Courthouse from 8 to 5 this week.