Laffin wins 11th term in Mercer

CELINA - Long-entrenched Mercer County Commissioner Jerry Laffin of Coldwater secured an 11th four-year term on Election Day.

Laffin, a Republican, easily defeated Democratic rival Don Holtvoigt of Celina, by taking 82.13 % of the total vote. According to Mercer County Board of Elections' unofficial results, 18,851 ballots were cast for Laffin and 4,103 for Holtvoigt.

"I feel real good about it," Laffin said about his Election Day victory. "I'd like to thank the citizens of the county for supporting me again, and I'll try to continue to do the things like I have in the past."

Laffin also took the opportunity to address the ongoing pandemic, urging people to practice social distancing, wear masks and follow other safety protocols amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Too many are not taking the pandemic seriously, he said.

"We need to also support our health department and the hospital," he said. "Our health people, they're frustrated. They're trying to do their best to do what they can to keep us safe."

Laffin, 82, has been a county commissioner since Jan. 2, 1981.

"I still enjoy it," he said when asked why he's running. "All in all, Mercer County, I think, is a very good place to live. It's a good place to raise our children and our grandchildren. We have good education systems in this county. We've got good people."

Laffin and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 61 years. They have three children and 11 grandchildren. A lifelong farmer, Laffin graduated from Celina High School in 1956. His time in FFA was a pivotal experience in which he learned parliamentary procedures, public speaking and leadership skills, he said.

Asked about his qualifications, Laffin pointed to his extensive experience in office, adding he's well versed in assembling budgets and making appropriations.

"We are sitting financially, I think, in pretty good shape. We do have a decent carryover," he said, explaining a surplus is necessary to carry the county through the first few months of a new year.

Over the years, commissioners have made major investments in water and sewer projects, Laffin said. They also ushered in a full-time community and economic development department and created a revolving loan fund that led to the startup or expansion of countless businesses that created close to 2,000 jobs.