Leaving office unpleasant decision for Wilder

Pulaski County Treasurer Lynn Wilder has spent the last month preparing the treasurer’s office for her leaving. 
Wilder, who has been a county employee for about 20 years, has chosen to step down from her elected position as treasurer — not because she is unsatisfied with her job — but because of her love for her family. 
Wilder is leaving office because her heart lies with her family, specifically her mother, who was recently diagnosed with advanced cancer and has entered hospice. 
“I’m going to stay home and take care,” Wilder said. “It’s important to me that the taxpayers understand why I left. After 20 years of service to the county, this is not how I would have chosen to leave my service.” 
Because Wilder is stepping down as treasurer, a caucus was held to decide who would finish the year and continue what would have been her next four-year term. Teresa Bryant, Winamac, received that 
Bryant worked for the treasurer’s office as a deputy treasurer for six years when Sheryl DeGroot was treasurer. She went back to school and now works part time for the office.
As she looks to being full time, Bryant said she is ready for the new challenges she will face. This will be a new experience because she has not held a county-elected office position. Bryant also worked for the auditor’s office a year and a half before working full time at the treasurer’s office. 
There are a few new things happening at the treasurer’s office that Bryant will need to become more accustomed to including settlements, the new way tax bills are printed and payments made by credit cards. When she worked with DeGroot, the county still printed the tax bills. 
The last official day for Wilder will be Nov. 1. During the next couple of weeks, Bryant will work part time in hopes of a smooth transition. 
Because she is leaving office before the election and is unopposed, Wilder will choose not to take the oath of office and Bryant will hold over and continue to serve the appointed term until the next election. Bryant will take oath of office in January. 
Wilder has sent her resignation to the governor’s office.