Gary council faces likely makeover
With 3 members on November ballot for other positions, mayor eyes changes
A third of Gary’s nine-member Common Council may be leaving the body following successful bids for other offices during the May 3 Democratic Primary.
At-large Councilmen Mike Brown and Clorius Lay won the
Democratic nomination for Clerk and County Council, respectively, while Councilman Cozey Weatherspoon, D-2nd, will head to the Calumet Township Assessor’s office victories over Republican challengers in the November General Election.
All three offices have historically been held by Democrats.
“It’s very rare to see a turnover of that size,” James Wieser, chairman of the Lake County Democratic Party, said.
It is too early to predict what such a change may mean for the dynamic of the council as it heads into the 2023 election cycle.
“You don’t really have a good understanding until you find out who the individuals are that will be coming on board and be running,” Wieser said.
All three council members will be replaced by a caucus of Gary’s Democratic precinct committeepersons.
“It’s a matter of who we are going to see, who the ultimate person is selected and how they fit in with the goals of the administration and of the party,” Wieser said.
Wieser said both the council and mayor are on good terms with the party and its goals for moving forward.
He knows there have been challenges between the administration and council but that has not affected the party.
Prince, as Gary’s precinct committee chairman, said he has been getting inquiries every day since the primary from people expressing interest in the seats.
As chairman, he said he will push to seek qualified candidates who have a track record of being
engaged in the community and a history of advancing the community in their own fields.
“I’m keeping an open mind. Realistically I’m thinking we probably won’t see any change for at least the next few months,” Prince said.
While the affected council members will have until
Dec. 31 to step down, Prince said it is possible some of them may choose to step down sooner.
“I’m personally looking forward to council members who are more receptive to the vision of the administration an are will to work toward that end,” Prince said.