EDITORIAL: Resolve to push out corruption, promote civility
The Times Editorial Board
NWI Times
Jan 1, 2017
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/editorial-resolve-to-push-out-corruption-promotecivility/article_9ac1aa89-c933-5303-a8bf-9236f2b7bf85.html
Looking ahead with hope is one of the greatest opportunities a new year provides.
If 2016 is any indication, the Region has much to look forward to.
Here are a number of things Northwest Indiana, its leaders and citizens should resolve to work toward or realize in 2017:
Losing the chip
Our Region is notorious for its "us against them" mentality when it comes to relations with Indianapolis, state leaders and just about any other neighboring state or region.
Let 2017 be the year when the collective chip on our shoulders diminishes.
Northwest Indiana enjoys the economic and social benefits of a world-class city to our north with a far more attractive tax rate than Chicago — or our Illinois neighbors as a whole.
The Region hotel industry is booming, home construction is strong and our opportunities for economic growth remain within reach.
We enjoy one of the most beautiful freshwater coastlines in the world, with all of the recreational and natural resource benefits.
Region leaders from Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties are beginning to click with the important notion of our connected borders, economies and the need to share resources and ideas.
We have nothing about which to feel inferior. Lose the chip.
Clean government house
Despite the growing number of Region positives, a strong negative remains in some government leaders who believe public service is synonymous with self-enrichment.
Region leaders and residents should resolve to press for the resignations of Lake County Sheriff John Buncich and Portage Mayor James Snyder in 2017.
Both men face felony criminal charges in Hammond federal court in separate bribery schemes.
Guilty or not — and both will have their days in court — Buncich and Snyder should be pressured to resign by fellow public officials and party leaders.
The shroud of their criminal cases will continue to damage the reputations of their respective political offices and constituencies.
Lake County Councilman Jamal Washington, who pleaded guilty earlier this month to battering his wife, also should be pressed to resign.
Washington pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor battery count, thus avoiding trial on the original felonies he faced in Porter County Criminal Court.
But our elected leaders shouldn't have the repugnant embarrassment of a battery conviction looming over local government.
Washington remaining on the council continues to send a message that battering women holds little consequence.
Commuter rail
The economic benefits of expanding the South Shore commuter rail line have been demonstrated time and again.
We know commuter rail expansion attracts young professionals and their families to communities. It also further connects existing residents with the jobs and social opportunities afforded by Chicago.
Communities not already fully on board with expanding the line to Dyer and double-tracking the Region line for speedier commutes should punch their tickets in 2017.
Civility Counts
This is a no-brainer.
Mocking people, calling them names or degrading them is bad social and political policy and shows poor character.
The Community Civility Counts initiative began as a partnership between the Gary Chamber of Commerce and The Times and has grown to a nationally recognized movement.
Resolve to strive for more civility in 2017.
It's a smarter, kinder and more thoughtful way of conducting ourselves.
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