The Lake County Council’s upcoming election will introduce new faces as incumbents step aside. Longtime Democratic District 1 Councilman Dave Hamm announced his retirement earlier this year after serving 11 years, prompting fresh contenders to step forward.
District 1 Race
Two candidates are poised to replace Hamm in District 1, bringing diverse backgrounds and goals. Democrat Christina Signorelli, hailing from Hammond, works as a realtor and economic development professional. She also serves as the president of the Lake County Young Democrats.
Her opponent, Republican James Lietz from Munster, has a long-standing career in public service. He previously ran for North Township Board member and District 12 Indiana State Representative. He now works as a security guard at the Federal Courthouse in Hammond, following his 33-year tenure as a Hammond Police officer.
Signorelli’s Vision
Signorelli highlights four primary goals if elected:
- Enhanced public safety and crime prevention tied to improved quality of life.
- Infrastructure repairs in Lake County without burdening taxpayers.
- Installation of green infrastructure and mitigation strategies.
- Advancements in technology for increased transparency.
She emphasizes smart development and the strategic use of tax-increment financing for revenue generation. She advocates for pursuing grants rather than raising taxes and maintains a balanced perspective on the role of data centers.
People often view economic decisions as black-and-white. We should pursue every avenue before considering another tax increase.
Signorelli believes bringing data centers to Lake County requires an individualized approach. She insists on understanding resident preferences, necessary utility upgrades, and third-party monitoring for accountability.
Lietz’s Priorities
Lietz initially planned to run for State Representative again but shifted focus upon encouragement from bipartisan friends. He underscores the importance of public safety, leveraging his law enforcement experience and concerns about Signorelli’s influence from Calumet City policies.
His strategy includes consolidating services, reviewing operations and spending, developing revenue models, and coordinating with municipalities before income-transitioning taxes. Sustainable economic development and targeted legislative amendments are integral to expanding the tax base.
Lietz emphasizes caution regarding data center placements, considering their impacts on neighborhoods, infrastructure, and living standards.
District 2 Showdown
In District 2, Gary At-Large Councilman Darren Washington competes against newcomer Bradley Hutchison, also from Gary. Washington succeeded in a five-way Democratic primary, defeating incumbent Ron Brewer Sr.
Hutchison, at 71, aims to tackle governance issues, citing corruption and financial mismanagement such as the misuse of $300,000 in the Lake County Sheriff’s Department commissary funds.
He stands firmly against data centers due to electrical cost concerns and advocates for legislative action, critiquing Governor Mike Braun’s influence on tax systems.
While Washington did not respond to interview requests, he actively seeks municipal support against NIPSCO’s rising utility rates.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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