Schuetter announces Democratic bid for Jasper mayor

Wayne Schuetter filed as the Democratic candidate for the mayor of Jasper today.

He made the announcement at the Jasper Train Depot in the presence of members of family, friends, and fellow Democrats.

“For several months, and actually over the past few years, I have received encouragement from many Jasper citizens of all political persuasions and backgrounds to run for the office of mayor,” Schuetter stated. “But I am not a politician. I am, and for the past 48 years, have been a public servant.”

Schuetter cut his teeth in public service working for the Jasper Park and Recreation Department while in high school and college. After graduating from Indiana State University and receiving his masters from Depauw University, he taught high school psychology, sociology, world geography, and U.S. History and middle school social sciences in public schools for 34 years before retiring in 2006.

In 2007, Schuetter accepted a position on the Jasper Utility Service Board where he served as president for five years. He is still a board member but stepped down as its president this year.

During the announcement, Schuetter was asked about his thoughts on the recent decision regarding the establishment of a tax increment finance district in Jasper that encompasses about a third of the city. “Any tool can either be used beneficially or negatively. So, if it is a tool we are going to use, it has to be used judiciously,” he said. “I said that I didn’t think it should be one third of the city, but I think as we move forward looking at it, it has some possibilities. It is something we need to be cautious as we move forward with it.”

Schuetter said he was looking forward to working with all of Jasper’s elected and appointed leaders and employees, as well as area business, art, educational and community leaders to continue Jasper’s and the area’s growth and progress. “I really look forward to the possibility of being a teammate with Juanita Boehm (Jasper Clerk/Treasurer) to make sure the financial factors of this city are secure.”

Schuetter, 64, was born and raised in Jasper. He was a teacher in the South Putnam School Corporation near Greencastle. from 1974 to 2006. He has been a guest lecturer and adjunct instructor at DePauw University and served on DePauw’s Education Department Accreditation Committee from 1999 to 2004.

He and his wife, artist Myra (Schilling) Schuetter, live in Jasper.

“I hope all the Democratic candidates win, but I think all the candidates will be good for the city and I will be able to work with them,” he said.

If no other Democratic candidates file by this Friday at noon, Schuetter will face off against the winner of the Republican Primary. Incumbent Mayor Terry Seitz is being challenged by Steve Messmer for the Republican nomination.