The Town of Griffith’s new Clerk-Treasurer carries a familiar name.
John Volkmann, 66, was elected to the position by unanimous voice vote during a Monday evening caucus at Town Hall. He will serve the remaining 3 1/2-year term to be vacated Aug. 31 by George Jerome.
Lake County Republican Chair Dan Dernulc called Jerome “a great trooper and member of the party,” and said because Volkmann — whose younger brother, Robert, serves as Schererville’s town manager — was the only person to apply for the position, he could happily endorse him.
“I think he’ll do a great job for the town, and I’m looking forward to working with him,” Dernulc said.
Jerome recently took a job with Griffith Public Schools.
Volkmann, who resigned his position as a pit boss for Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, said he’s no stranger to accounting work. He started off with the casino as a general accounting supervisor; previously, he worked for the former LTV Steel in cost accounting and construction accounting.
He’s also served on the town Safety Board for the past four years.
Though he doesn’t believe in micromanaging his staff, Volkmann said he’ll be spending much of his initial time learning what everyone does so he’ll be able to jump in when the staff needs help.
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“I’ve already gone to a class on the system we use for (various accounting functions) and will go to a second one in November,” Volkmann said. “I’m very pleased. This is going to be a challenge.”
The caucus wasn’t without a bit of sadness. Council President Rick Ryfa, R-3, said he’ll miss his Jerome.
“George and I started together in 2007, and then we recruited (the late Councilman Glen “Bud” Gaby),” Ryfa said. “We’ve had a lot of accomplishments. We’ll miss him, but time moves on.”
Volkmann will start the $65,270 position Sept. 1.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.