Kokomo's Democratic mayoral candidates

From the Kokomo Tribune, Tony Taflinger made his unofficial announcement to run for mayor of Kokomo.

In a surprise announcement during the public comment period at the Kokomo Common Council meeting, Taflinger quietly said he intends to run for mayor as a Democrat.

“Like most of the community, I have concerns,” he said. “I have concerns about high taxes. I have concerns that city employees who have political statements on their vehicles are told they can’t park on city property.”

An employee of the Kokomo Police Department for the past 10 years, Taflinger also has a cleaning contract with the city through his company, TAF Cleaning Services.

Despite the fact Taflinger makes his living with the city, he said he felt compelled to run against current Mayor Matt McKillip, at least partially because of his own views on the atmosphere at City Hall.

“I work for the city, and in this administration, if your thoughts are different than what this administration is, you’re against them,” Taflinger said. “That’s not the attitude I have, and it’s time for a change.

Taflinger, 44, is a Kokomo High School graduate who has worked previously in security with St. Joseph Hospital, and has volunteered for the Howard County Emergency Agency.

Although he said he will officially file for candidacy today, and hasn’t raised any money yet, Taflinger said he hopes to have a positive effect on the municipal election.

Andy Castner, who ran in 2003, also has said he is running.