VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — History was made Tuesday in Indiana’s first city as Vincennes Mayor, Joe Yochum, was sworn in to his fourth term in office.
He’s the first, fourth term mayor in the history of the city of Vincennes.
“It’s exciting,” Yochum said after taking his oath. “But more importantly, I can’t thank the public enough that they had the faith in me that they did to elect me this fourth term and I’ll be honest, I look forward to the four years and continuing to do what’s best for Vincennes.”
What projects will continue in to 2024?
“We’ve got several projects going. Especially with the HELP designation. We’ve got transportation, childcare, we’ve got a teen center going also,” he said.
Also taking the oath was City Clerk Treasurer Catherine MM Lane for her second term, Councilman Brian Grove will begin his third term, and councilmen Ed Gornall, Ryan Lough, Marc McNeece and John Stangle beginning their second term. Councilman Richard Ashby and Councilwoman Regina Blinn will both begin their first term on the Vincennes City Council.
“I am looking forward to working with all of them to continue moving Vincennes forward. They’re excited to jump in and make sure we keep moving forward,” Yochum said.
After making several presentations to the council for different events as well as watching the council in action, Blinn thought, “I can do this. And there needs to be a woman on the city council, I think there needs to be representation for women in this community and hopefully I’ll inspire others to get involved and want to be a part of it,” she said.
Blinn who’s lived in Vincennes all her life, said there is a lot for the community to look forward to.
“We’re going to have some improvements at some of our park facilities, we just did a ‘Patronicity Grant’ for the pickle ball courts and it was a success. You’re seeing Kristen’s park at the park doing well, our roads are seeing improvement. I’m real excited to see the progress on Washington Ave as it comes to attrition that’s going to be a very nice project for 2024. And I just think there’s some positive things in housing and other areas that we can prosper on,” she said.
Blinn said she looks forward to working with Mayor Yochum, “He’s got the experience and the knowledge of what he has done, and I’ll be new with maybe new and creative ideas that we can together join forces and come up with you know, the ultimate plan.”
City leaders were joined by their friends, family and community members during the ceremony.
