for county commission, Dist. 5

Special to The Messenger

April 17, 2000 8 PM

Jake Wingard, a 1966 Goshen High School graduate, recently announced his candidacy for the District 5 seat on the Pike County Commission.

After graduating from high school, Wingard volunteered for duty in the United States Air Force, from which he retired in 1987 after 21 years of service.

In 1989, Wingard accepted a job with the City of Troy and became the director of Public Works in 1993. He is the first African American to become a department head for the city.

Wingard’s civic affiliations include serving on the board of the Carroll Street Cemetery and being a member of the Careerman’s Club, an organization that awards academic scholarship support for youth and service of seniors. He is also a member of Charlie’s Angels, which is an organization composed of retired military personnel who support the children of Pike County.

Wingard has adopted the campaign slogan "Progressive Leadership for Pike County in the New Millennium." He is offering his leadership and management skills honed by 32 years of service to his country, hometown and the citizens of Pike County in District 5, with the hope voters will consider him on Election Day, which is June 6.

Wingard grew up in Pike County and married his high school sweetheart, Myrtle Terry WIngard in 1966. They have two sons and a daughter, all of whom are making solid contributions to today’s society.

His son, Samford, is an officer with the Troy Police Department while his other son is an officer with the City of Montgomery. His daughter, Sharon Wingard Bridges, is a program analyst with the Montgomery Easter Seal Foundation. His wife is employed with Troy State University.

The Wingards attend Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Due to his religious and military background, Wingard has been asked to conduct funeral services for veterans.