GREENFIELD — For longtime law enforcement officer Bill Spalding, 2020 feels like the right year to make the transition to local politics.
Spalding previously ran for commissioner in 2012, when he was defeated by incumbent Brad Armstrong. Armstrong, the three-term District 3 commissioner, announced in September that he would not seek another term. That means the Republican race this spring is wide open.
Spalding decided to make another run for the office. So did Greenfield police officer Matt Holland, who lost to Armstrong in 2016. The two will face off in the May 5 primary. (A story about Holland will be published on Thursday, Feb. 13)
“I’ve learned a lot since then about being in the political eye and campaigning, and I felt like it would be a good time, since it was going to be open, to seek the same spot,” Spalding said.
With 30 years of service as an Indiana State Police trooper, Spalding is no stranger to public service. He works out of the department’s Indianapolis post, and his duties include providing personal protection for the Indiana State Senate president pro tempore when the legislature is in session.
“Public service is where I want to be. It’s one of those things that when I was young, this was the dream job that I got, and to date I’m still serving as a squad leader,” Spalding said.
Frequently sitting in on sessions of the state Senate, he said, has given him an up-close look at the governmental process.
“I think it gives me a better understanding of what happens in the legislative process, and I have a greater appreciation for our legislators, what they actually have to do on a day-to-day basis and how they interact with the public,” he said.
Spalding said he sees being a good communicator as key to the role of the county commissioners.
“We need to communicate and collaborate very well with our local cities, towns and municipalities, and within the existing governmental structure that we have,” he said.
A lifelong Hancock County resident, Spalding was raised near New Palestine, where he still lives. He graduated from New Palestine High School and from Indiana University, Bloomington, with a Bachelor of Science degree in public policy. He is also a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
Spalding is an involved member of his church, Zion Lutheran in New Palestine, and said his experience on the church’s property board was also an experience that would help him as a county commissioner.
“I was involved in making decisions about a multimillion-dollar facility, as far as managing it, maintaining it, looking over contracts and insurance,” Spalding said.
Spalding also enjoys raising bees and spending time with his three sons.
Deidre Counter is a longtime friend of Spalding and his family who first got to know him in high school. She said he is one of the most grounded people she knows.
“His personality and his moral compass have been very steadfast,” she said.
Counter said Spalding would be as dedicated to serving as a county commissioner as he is to his work and the other things he’s passionate about.
“He’s a very strong advocate for the Hancock County community,” she said.
Spalding said he hopes to be a voice on the Board of Commissioners for public safety issues and mental health awareness, as well as for continued growth and business development.
“I think I can bring fresh vision to the commissioner position. I’d like to see Hancock County grow and grow smartly. I’d like to be a part of making Hancock County a better place to live for our families, and a better place to come and work as well,” he said.
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Age: 54
Party: Republican
Office sought: County commissioner (District 3)
Political experience: Ran for commissioner in 2012
Family: Three sons
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The Daily Reporter is presenting profiles of candidates whose names will appear on the primary ballot for county offices. These stories will run periodically over the coming weeks leading up to the primary election on May 5.
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