Tonya Hoeffel for Mayor | Tonya's Story

Professional

        A near lifetime resident of Garrett, Tonya Hoeffel graduated from Garrett High School in 1981, in which she was involved in Student Government and worked in the Principal’s office.

        Following High School, she attended business classes and trained in dance instruction at the Bordner School of Dance.  Most notably in Tonya’s dancing career, she was a member of the 1984 International Dance Team.

        Tonya has been employed by the Garrett Schools since 1989, where she serves as a part-time English as a Second Language Coordinator.

 

Church Leadership

        Tonya has always had a deep commitment to serving her community.  As an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Garrett, she has served as a member of the Parish Council for over ten years. 

 

Community Involvement 

Tonya has also been a leader in our community.  Among her involvement include the following:

  • Past member & officer of the Garrett Community Center Board of Directors
  • Member of the Garrett Heritage Day’s Festival Committee
  • Board Member of Alliance Industries in Garrett
  • Guest Reader for Goodnight Garrett at the Garrett Public Library every year
  • Board Member of the Garrett Christmas Bureau, Inc.
  • Co-director, Summer Day Camp for the City of Garrett

Dedication to Public Service 

Tonya’s most significant contributions to Garrett have resulted from her hard work as an elected official.  In October 2001, Tonya was appointed to fill the remaining term of former Councilman Gaylon Wisel in Garrett’s 4th Council district.  In 2003, Tonya chose to run and was elected to the City Council At-Large position, the only Council position that represents the entire city.  

       As your Councilmember At-Large, Tonya worked hard to maintain fiscal responsibility in our government and investment in our city.  Further, Tonya's time on the City Council was highlighted by her dedication and willingness to take on important issues in the city.  During her tenure as a council member, Tonya never missed a Council Meeting, the only elected official to maintain a perfect attendance record in recent history. 

        She has demonstrated strong commitment to our community by maintaining near-perfect attendance on the Plan Commission, missing only two meetings during her six years tenure.  You can count on Tonya!

        After a close race in 2007 that was decided by just 45 votes, in 2011 Tonya ran for Mayor of Garrett again, this time winning over the son of a former Mayor and running a positive campaign on a Vision for a Greater Garrett.  Tonya was elected, along with four other Republican men and women focused on reforming City Government and working towards a Greater Garrett.  Tonya was inaugurated on December 30th, 2011 and became the 18th Mayor of Garrett on January 1st, 2012.

 

Family

        Tonya lives on South Walsh Street in Garrett.  Tonya married Chris Hoeffel in 1982 and together they have four children:

  • Christian, age 27, is an Elementary School teacher

  • Blaine, age 25, is an employee at an industrial company in Avilla

  • Alpha, age 18, is a student at Butler University in Indianapolis

  • Mary Catherine, age 16, attends Garrett High School

        They also live with their dogs Buster and Sammy. In her free time, Tonya enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and attending community activities.

 

 

Paid for by the Friends of Tonya Hoeffel