(La Porte County, IN) - Retired businessman and longtime community volunteer, Ron Schafer, has announced his candidacy for a seat on the La Porte County Council.

"I feel it's time to create a culture of unity on the County Council, as well as in the entire County Governmental structure. I want to be a guiding force of this new unity," he said.

Schafer, who will appear on the Republican ballot in the May primary, said he would work to reverse a trend where people are opposed merely because of who they are and not for the quality of their ideas. 

"No one is always right or always wrong. If we all stop and listen to the details of a proposal and apply some good common sense, much better decisions will be made," Schafer said.  

Schafer also cited real-world experience, conservative values, and "level-headedness" as his guides for deciding areas like spending, if elected.

"My experience as a business owner will shape the decisions I make. It is worth noting that most of the Council members have spent their entire working careers as employees. They were told what to do and when to do it. If they could follow instructions, they were considered successful," Schafer said.

Schafer has been heavily involved in the community for years in areas like Pioneer Land at the La Porte County Fairgrounds, Kiwanis Club of La Porte, and the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau.