Democrat Piontek to seek Republican county Commissioner Dieter's seat in 2024
SOUTH BEND — A challenger has already announced his campaign to seek Republican Derek Dieter’s District 2 seat next year on the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners.
Democrat Jason Piontek of South Bend is assistant business manager for Local 153 of the union International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. An Army veteran, he currently serves on the South Bend Plan Commission and previously served on the city’s public works board.
His wife, Jenny, had been a vocal advocate this year for keeping the county home Portage Manor open for its residents with mental illness and disabilities. Commissioners Dieter and Carl Baxmeyer voted 2-1 to close the home this summer, while Deb Fleming voted no. Piontek’s dismay over how that was handled is partly why he’s seeking election, along with advocating for “working families.”
District 2 covers much of the city of South Bend, including portions of Clay, Centre, Penn and Portage townships.
Both Dieter’s and Fleming’s current four-year terms run through the end of 2024. Baxmeyer announced Tuesday that Fleming would resign her District 3 seat on Jan. 31.
Nov. 22, 2023: County Commissioner Fleming to resign Jan. 31 for health issue, family time
South Bend Tribune reporter Joseph Dits can be reached at 574-235-6158 or jdits@sbtinfo.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Jason Piontek announces campaign for commissioner Derek Dieter seat
