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It was a big day for announcements in Marion city politics. Two Marion city councilmembers vacated their seats: Twila Laing (R-4th Ward) and Ron Prater (R-6th Ward).
Laing, who currently chairs the critically important Finance Committee, has been appointed by the Marion County Republican Central Committee as the city of Marion’s new treasurer. Laing will be replacing Vidya Iyengar, who entered the treasurer role in January and was recently appointed to fill the job of Marion City Auditor, which was vacated following the resignation of Miranda Meginness (Ind).
Laing was elected to office in November 2023 after defeating Democrat Dana Hanif Booker by a tally of 54.36% to 45.64%. She was reelected to council in November 2025 in an unopposed election.
Ron Prater, meanwhile, recently sustained a significant injury and has been unable to perform his duties on council. With another surgery scheduled, he has decided to tender his resignation.
Like Ms. Laing, Mr. Prater was elected in November 2023. He defeated Democrat Bart Wolfe in the general election, 55.13% to 44.87%. He was reelected to office in November 2025 after defeating Democrat challenger Anthony Azaria by a score of 55.90% to 44.10%.
Entering office on the 1st of January 2024, the two-year terms of both Laing and Prater expire on the 31st of December 2027.
The Marion County Republican Central Committee will now be tasked with filling both positions. Applications/letters of interest must be submitted to them by March 5th. The new councilmembers will be selected following a review of applications on March 7th.
Ralph Smith (R-3rd Ward) is the odds-on favorite to fill the role as chairman of the Finance Committee, since he currently serves as a member of that committee.
Bill Dichtl, a Republican who briefly served as an At-Large councilman in 2025 after Mike Neff moved out of the city, is heavily rumored to be the choice for Prater’s seat.
But who will be representing the 4th ward? The ole Swamp Fox has absolutely no clue.
