Lake County elected officials take oath to start new terms
CROWN POINT — Newly elected county and township officials took the oath of office Tuesday before a crowd of relatives and supporters.
Lake Circuit Court Judge George Paras conducted the ceremony in the Syd Garner Auditorium at the Lake County Government Center for newly elected and re-elected county council members, and a commissioner, sheriff, treasurer, assessor and township officials. Lake Superior Court Judge Sheila Moss swore in Clerk Michael Brown.
Incumbent Lake Sheriff John Buncich, chairman of Lake County’s Democratic Party, addressed the gathering and encouraged new officials and those returning to office to serve ethically and honestly.
“We know full well over the past few years some have sought and successfully attained public office only to cross the line and tarnish our profession as public officials,” Buncich said.
As Democratic party chairman, Buncich said he will not tolerate misconduct by party members and will immediately banish from the county’s Democratic Party organiza- tion any official found guilty of misconduct.
“Let me make it perfectly clear here today and going forward: Enough is enough,” Buncich said.
Even though the party has seen its share of officials convicted of public corruption charges, he asked those in attendance to remember most people who run for public office do so for the right reasons and work to help residents.
“Don’t paint us all … with the same brush,” Buncich said.
The atmosphere was cheerful as officials and guests mingled before the ceremony and listened to holiday and patriotic music performed by Merrillville High School’s choir.
“I’m just really honored to be here,” Assessor Jerome Prince said.
Prince, who sought the assessor’s office instead of re-election to the county council, recaptured the office for the party after it fell into Republican hands for the first time in more than half a century in the 2010 race.