“The challenges for our county are too important to have a commissioner sitting there on ‘cruise control,’ Decker said in the press release. “We have one of the highest unemployment rates in the region and yet projects are stalled like the Kingsbury Industrial Park refrigeration plant and new development near I-94. It’s hard to believe the commissioners don’t have a team working full time on these projects, but again, they haven’t had a Redevelopment Commission meeting in nine months. We can’t act like this is Mayberry and somehow developers will just stumble upon us. You have to work at promoting our county, putting these deals together and making them stick.”

Decker now lives in Union Township, where he was elected to the Union Township Board. He and his wife Dot Decker are Steelworkers retirees and both are active in Democratic Party politics, with Dot serving as secretary of the LaPorte County Democratic Party.

In retirement, Dave Decker has served on the boards of the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Swanson Center, and Harmony House/CASA. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he is a member of the Westville American Legion Post.

Decker has two daughters and three grandchildren. “I’m on full retirement from NIPSCO but I have the time, energy and good health to devote to the county commission to try to have a positive impact,” he said. “I’m proud of helping turn our convention and visitors bureau into one of the best bureaus in northern Indiana at promoting tourism, and I want to have the same kind of positive impact on the LaPorte County Commission pushing job creation and delivering quality county services.”

If there ever is a question about our city, please call or stop me on the street. I will try my best to get an answer for you.

To the candidates who lost, thank you for running. I hope you stay involved. I know you had the best interest of the city at heart.

Thank you again,

Cary Kirkham

LaPorte City Council At Large-elect.

Best of all, perhaps, is feeling a deep-seated respect for the other three candidates in my race and a camaraderie with candidates of both parties throughout the campaign, but especially in spending time with a number of them on Election Day at the Civic Auditorium (on a surprisingly pleasant fall day). It just makes one realize how beautiful and pure the electoral process can be on a small scale (when the mudslinging is left out) and how “religious” it feels when a group of my brethren are willing to put themselves out, nobly, for love of city and its people. (Really, it’s not all about ego!)

Yes, I came up a tad short in my race … and that’s frustrating. Yet I’m touched and gratified that the narrow margin of my defeat affirms my credibility, in the public’s eyes, as a city-wide candidate. I want to thank my supporters for their encouragement, their expression of faith in me and my abilities, their votes, and their condolences.

Finally, my congratulations to the winners in my race, Cary Kirkham and Joe Mrozinske, our new mayor, Blair Milo, and all the winners. Godspeed in the execution of your mandate to bring about the change our citizenry has indicated they are seeking!

Timothy Stabosz

I stated in my announcement speech on Feb. 3 that we would do what is hard and we would achieve what is great. On Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, we proved that message. In that same speech on Feb. 3, I acknowledged that creating a thriving LaPorte leadership is crucial but useless without a team who works together. This campaign was not about me, but about us and what we will do together. Tuesday’s victory was not mine, but ours, just as the challenge to move LaPorte forward continues to be ours.

We face difficult issues and choices in the days ahead, but I am confident that with a mindset that builds on what we can do instead of what we can’t, what’s possible instead of what’s not, and a focus on innovation and efficiency, we can create the LaPorte we all know our city can be: a LaPorte that is a competitive community to live, work and raise a family; where our citizens are safe, workforce is qualified and people are inspired.

Because I know that we’re up to it, I challenge you again:

We will do what is hard and we will achieve what is great.

Blair Milo

Mayor-elect of LaPorte

Republican Blair Milo speaks to supporters at the Silver Palace after being elected as LaPorte's next mayor.

Photos by Dennis Proud

(CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE)

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to the large number of people visiting WNLP to view election results late Tuesday night, Nov. 8, 2011, the site crashed. We apologize for your temporary inability to view WNLP Tuesday night and earlier this morning, Nov. 9, but now things are fixed. We appreciate all of you who visit our site.)

As of Jan, 1, 2012, the City of LaPorte will have a new leader: Blair Milo.

Milo, 28, a Republican and a U.S. Navy veteran, won the mayoral contest handily over Democratic incumbent Kathy Chroback in the Nov. 8, 2011, city election.

Milo is not the only young new leader in the region — in South Bend, the newly elected mayor is Democrat Pete Buttigieg, 29. In a youth movement, other Indiana cities and towns also elected leaders still shy of

Democratic incumbent Kathy Chroback (right) and LaPorte County Commissioner Barbara Huston monitor results at the LaPorte VFW.

their 30th birthdays.

Milo led from early on and never relinquished that lead as results came in Tuesday night. Even with just 13 of 45 precincts reporting, she had 61 percent of the vote. The final tally was Milo 2,285 votes, Chroback 1,444 votes.

Milo is congratulated by victorious incumbent Clerk-Treasurer Teresa Ludlow.

The overall voter turnout in LaPorte was 28 percent.

“I’m really looking forward to moving LaPorte forward,” Milo said on WLOI/WCOE Radio after her victory. “We’re bringing new types of jobs and businesses to LaPorte.” She also made reference to her efforts, already under way, to collaborate with law enforcement, community resources and government to fight drug abuse in LaPorte.

Chroback holds the historic distinction of being LaPorte’s first female mayor. She was first elected in 2000, then lost to Republican Leigh Morris, then regained the mayor’s office over Morris in 2008. Now, after two unconsecutive terms as mayor (she previously served two terms on the city council), she will — at least for now — be out of local politics as of Jan. 1.

Chroback, 58, told WLOI/WCOE Tuesday night that she’s proud of LaPorte and what her administration has accomplished. “I feel the support in this community and I always felt it,” she said, adding that while she doubts she’ll run for office again, she doesn’t rule it out completely.

Other races

Here are results of other LaPorte races:

– Clerk-treasurer: Republican incumbent Teresa Ludlow defeated Democrat Renee Scherer, 2,476 votes to 1,285 votes.

– At Large city council: The two victors are Republican Cary Kirkham with 1,844 votes, and Democrat Joe Mrozinske with 1,790 votes. Losing candidates were Democratic incumbent A.C. Pressler and Republican Tim Stabosz.

– 1st Ward city council: Republican incumbent Dave Schmitt was unopposed.

– 2nd Ward city council: Democratic incumbent Sherry Hammons defeated Republican Gloria Thode, 380 to 330 votes.

– 3rd Ward city council: Republican Ron McAtee defeated Democrat Mike Conner, 485 to 320 votes.

– 4th Ward city council: Republican Roger Galloway defeated Democratic incumbent Andrea Renner, 488 to 314 votes.

– 5th Ward city council: Democratic incumbent Steve Luscomb defeated Republican Geoffrey Sellers, 429 to 387 votes.

For full election results for all of LaPorte County cities and towns, click on the following link:

http://ftp.wsbt.com/laporte.htm

Milo and friend Angelique Sims chat while awaiting final results.

The final tallies are shown on a chalkboard at Silver Palace.

Participants listen during the discussion on drug abuse in LaPorte. (Photo provided)

Among participants were representatives from city and county law enforcement, judicial offices, the school system, various agencies that deal with drug awareness and rehabilitation, and parents, students, and concerned citizens.

“It’s inspiring to see what a motivated group of individuals can achieve when they’re brought together in a results-oriented setting,” Milo said in a press release. “Substance abuse in our community is a huge problem, but after one night we’ve already listed the issues, talked about possible solutions and how to achieve them so by the next meeting we can start outlining a plan for implementation.”

Many people were in touch with each other for the first time from various agencies and organizations, Milo noted in the release. Law enforcement and other agency representatives were able to address misconceptions and explain some of their fundamental challenges of manning and funding. A common theme was the need for community and parental involvement in drug abuse education, prevention and rehabilitation efforts.

Mitch Feikes, LaPorte School Board president, said the school system is in the process of finding the best program(s) to educate students, staff and parents. One person who has been involved with awarding grants to organizations that deal with drug education and rehabilitation offered information and even possible assistance in writing grant applications. Sue Jesch, a neighborhood watch organizer, expressed a desire to get more people involved in the program. Several participants discussed problems faced by employers in the area of drug usage. Greg Engstrom noted that LaPorte has a wealth of possibility for the future with land and facilities available for business growth, an ideal location for transportation, and a lower cost of housing than neighboring Porter or St. Joe counties. He said what was lacking, though, was leadership in tackling some pressing problems such as the war on drugs.

The group discussion ended with a set of goals, a general outline for future presentations, and a plan to meet in the near future for more dialogue and planning. Participants left feeling that although substance abuse is a large and multi-faceted problem, there is hope for decreasing its potency, according to the press release.

An after-action report detailing the discussion can be found at www.blairforlpmayor.com.

   Here are results from the primary elections for the city of LaPorte (winners are bolded; they will be the candidates in the Nov. 8 general election):   

Mayor

Chroback

   — Kathleen Chroback (D) (incumbent) — 582 votes

   – Ron Zimmer (D) — 195 votes

   — Blair Milo (R) — 662 votes

   — Spencer England (R) — 264 votes

1st Ward council

   — David Schmitt (R) (incumbent)

2nd Ward council

Milo

   — Sherrie Hammons (D) (incumbent) — 111 votes

   — Brian Crook (D) — 55 votes

3rd Ward council

   — Donald Heichel (R) (incumbent) — 113 votes

   — Ronald McAtee (R) – 150 votes

   — Mike Conner (D)

4th Ward council

   — Andrea Renner (D) (incumbent) — 101 votes

   — Juan Puente (D) – 68 votes

   — Roger Galloway (R)

5th Ward council

   — Steve Luscomb (D) (incumbent)

   — Geoffrey Sellers (R)

At large council

   — Goot Logwood (D) (incumbent) — 406 votes

   — A.C. Pressler (D) (incumbent) – 467 votes 

   — Joe Mrozinske (D) – 496 votes

   — Cary Kirkham (R)

   — Timothy Stabosz (R)

Clerk-treasurer

   — Teresa Ludlow (R) (incumbent)

   — Renee Scherer (D)

   While these issues are challenging, they are not insurmountable. By focusing on jobs and business, tackling the drug problem and providing leadership to the community and the city workforce, we can make LaPorte a strong community for our children. Here’s how I’ll address each of those challenges:

Focus on jobs and business

   Business owners have a lot of decisions to make when looking to start, expand or relocate a business. The government’s job is to help business owners make those decisions easier. Establishing a business-friendly environment for the city is crucial for moving LaPorte forward. Additionally, we need to aggressively promote the outstanding opportunities LaPorte offers, with our proximity to interstate highways and railroads, low cost of living, beautiful parks and lakes and great school systems, to attract different kinds of business to LaPorte. Finally, we must work on addressing the needs of current business owners by ensuring our workforce is qualified for the jobs that are available and are able to pass a drug test.

Tackle the drug problem

   Eliminating the presence of illegal drugs in our workforce, neighborhoods and schools must be a priority for LaPorte. By setting measurable goals that the public can hold my administration accountable for, as well as improving code enforcement, we can take the steps necessary to combat illegal drugs in our community.

Provide leadership to our community and city workforce

   As your mayor, I will provide leadership to the city by establishing and promoting a vision and plan for LaPorte to be a competitive community so that our children can raise their own families here. Having been responsible for over 1,200 Sailors and Marines, I know how to inspire, motivate and most importantly earn the respect of the team I lead. I’ll use these skills to lead an effective and efficient city workforce. Additionally, I’ll provide leadership throughout the budget planning and management process to make sure our city is able to best meet the needs of its citizens during tough financial times.

   I’m asking for your vote on Tuesday, May 3, because I have a vision and plan for LaPorte. I have unique qualifications and experiences to help LaPorte succeed. I know how to effect the changes that I’m talking about and I have the passion and dedication to make it happen. Thank you very much for your vote!

Blair Milo

Republican candidate for LaPorte mayor

   Recently retired from 40 years of teaching, I have the time available to dedicate myself to the job, to the city … and to my potential constituents. I will conduct regular ward meetings, at least one every two months, in order to make sure that your concerns are being heard, and in order for me to be accountable to you. I will spend my everyday time in LaPorte, because I believe that that is important to providing the necessary level of representation. I will respond to all phone calls, all e-mails, and all correspondence. When problems or concerns are brought to me, I will listen, give thoughtful consideration, and do everything within my reasonable power to help.

   Finally, indicating my respect for you, the 3rd Ward voter, I have put out letters to the editor (like this one), to provide you with a basis for knowing what my qualifications are, and where I stand on the issues … thereby allowing you to fully “examine” my candidacy. (I believe transparency is important.)

   With all of this in mind, it is my hope that you will give my candidacy your consideration at the polls on May 3. I’m energized by the potential to be of service, and fully aware of the work that needs to be done. It would be a significant honor for me to be your choice for the next 3rd Ward councilman, and I respectfully ask for your vote!

Ron McAtee

Republican candidate for 3rd Ward LaPorte City Council

   No surprise to the residents of Monroe Street and Indiana Avenue that this is an everyday AND night experience. If elected your 3rd Ward councilman, I will push to change this scene. We need to get truck traffic out of our neighborhoods. The best way to do this is to advance a project that has been on the drawing boards for a generation. We need to build the Boyd Boulevard bypass!

   It’s crazy to have five major highways converge on our downtown, and pass through our some of our most densely populated residential neighborhoods! An extended Boyd Boulevard would become the new State Road 4 and U.S. 35 truck bypass, forcing truck traffic to take this route instead of through the heart of our city. This would improve the quality of life for residents around Indiana, Michigan, Monroe and Madison; improve public safety; and have the added benefit of making our historic downtown more suited to shoppers, walkers, and sidewalk cafes, thereby pumping dollars into our downtown. Finally, it should make the truckers happy, helping them avoid traffic, tight corners, etc., in the downtown. (Trucks and planters simply don’t mix!)

   The long-overdue Indiana Avenue rebuilding would have a better chance of lasting without the huge volume of trucks using it. When the full bypass is completed (the lion’s share paid for by state/federal monies), we could ask the state to relinquish control of Indiana and Monroe to the city, which would complete the vision.

   Have ideas or suggestions? See my “LaPorte 3rd Ward” Facebook page, e-mail me at laporte3rdward@yahoo.com, or call 363-3342.

Ron McAtee

Republican candidate for 3rd Ward LaPorte City Council