Barry Ritter of Hagerstown is running for Wayne County Council District 2 as a Republican candidate in the 2026 primary election.
2026 Election Guide
The Western Wayne News asked candidates in contested races for the May 5 primary election the same questions.
- List your education and employment history highlights (100 words or less).
- What are two specific reasons you decided to run for this office? (100 words or less.)
- If elected/reelected, what are your top three priorities for your time in office? (150 words or less.)
- What are two specific skills you would bring to the office to benefit constituents, if elected/reelected? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the government body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think is working well and should continue? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think needs to change, and what specific action(s) would you pursue to change it? (100 words or less.)
- Will you accept the results of the election process even if you are not elected/reelected? (50 words or less.)
- With state and federal changes limiting funding for government services, what specific strategies will you pursue if elected to sustain the finances of the body you’re seeking to join or lead? (150 words or less)
- Beyond encouraging attendance at public meetings, how do you plan to involve residents in decision making processes that the office you seek is a part of? (100 words or less.)
- Any other comments you’d like to share about your candidacy? (150 words or less.)
Candidates were given three weeks to respond with a firm deadline and word limits. We share their answers here, unedited from their original form.
For full election coverage, visit the Western Wayne News 2026 Election Guide.
Bio highlights: Vincennes University, Associates Degree in Criminal Justice 1985. Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. FBI National Academy Graduate. Retired from the Richmond Police Department in 2007 after twenty years of service, holding positions as patrolman, sergeant, lieutenant, and deputy chief. Following my law enforcement career, I served as Wayne County’s 911 director for five years before being appointed Executive Director of the Indiana Statewide 911 Board. I am currently co-owner of Ritter Strategic Services LLC, a public safety consulting firm responsible for managing critical public safety projects for local governments.
Reasons you ran: Wayne County is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Many of our children chose to remain in here to work and raise their families. It is important to me that as decisions are made for the county’s future, that I use my experience to be a part of those conversations.
As a former employee and department head, I have seen firsthand the disconnect that can arise between elected officials and staff as they work to fulfill their responsibilities. It is essential that we equip departments with the tools they need to succeed while remaining mindful stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Top priorities: 1. Fiscal responsibility. As local government continues experiencing the rapidly changing landscape of property taxes, business personal property tax, and local income taxes it is crucial that we use every dollar appropriately. As the fiscal body, council will face some difficult decisions that will impact on every taxing unit in the County.
2. Collaboration. As county leaders we need to continue building the collaborative efforts with townships, towns, and the city. In the past three years the county has provided significant investment opportunities in these communities, however not all have elected to participate. We need to continue this work and build upon our successes.
3. Strategic Planning. It is imperative that as a county we align our strategic plans with the other initiatives being discussed by our partners, both public and private. Available and affordable housing is a priority and will take all of us to address the deficiencies.
Specific skills: Budget & Management. My background in developing and managing public budgets is rooted in my work with government agencies at both the local and state levels. Serving on the county council has been especially valuable as we navigate an unprecedented shift in revenue collection. Working cooperatively with elected officials and department heads to develop a strategic plan for capital projects is critical as we work on maintaining the financial stability of the county.
Should continue: By statute, the commissioners and council have different responsibilities within county government. While each operates independently, maintaining continuous dialogue and awareness of one another’s efforts is essential. In Wayne County, we are fortunate to have a collaborative environment where all ten elected officials communicate openly and share information regularly. Both collectively and individually, we have strong relationships with other elected officials and department heads, which contributes to our mutual success.
Needs to change: The county council currently lacks a comprehensive set of policies and procedures to guide its operations. While the council has long functioned successfully by relying on tradition and precedent, this approach is not sustainable moving forward. I believe it is time for the council to take the initiative and develop a formal policy manual that will provide clear guidance for elected officials, department heads and council.
Accept election results: Yes. Wayne County has a demonstrated history of fair elections and I anticipate this election will occur in the same manner.
Funding strategies: As elected officials, we have a responsibility to engage with state legislators and advocate for continued efforts toward tax relief and support for local governments. Although the legislature has expanded certain taxing options, we must not view those measures as the sole solution. Our first priority should be to manage spending responsibly while ensuring that essential services are maintained.
In 2025, as chairman of the personnel committee, I initiated a new hiring procedure requiring a thorough review of any vacant position before filling it. Under this policy, the chairman working with human resources and the department head evaluates the position’s essential functions, existing workload, and the department’s overall needs to determine whether the role remains necessary. This process led to the elimination of three positions in 2025 and the conversion of one full-time position to part-time status. As council continues focusing on issues like this, we will maintain our strong financial position.
Engaging the public: With recent requirements to livestream or televise meetings and maintain electronic recordings, citizens now have greater access to council discussions and the opportunity to engage with local issues. Additionally, social media has further increased the visibility of our work.
As an elected official, my phone number and email address are publicly available, giving citizens direct access to reach me. I regularly receive calls, texts, and emails about county matters. Most topics are discussed across multiple meetings, providing residents ample opportunity to ask questions and share their perspectives.
Other comments: It has been an honor to serve as a member of the Wayne County Council over the past three years, and I hope my efforts have made a positive difference for both our employees and our citizens. Looking ahead, the council will face greater responsibilities and increasingly complex decisions that demand experience and steady leadership. Drawing on my background in local and state government and my collaborations with counties across Indiana, I am confident that I have the knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to these decisions. Wayne County’s future is bright, and I look forward to continuing our progress together with your support.
Please vote Barry Ritter for District 2 Wayne County Council.
A version of this article will appear in the April 8 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.