Two hopefuls in running for mayor of Crown Point

Two candidates so far have tossed their hat in the ring to replace Crown Point Mayor David Uran when he steps away from the office next week to take over as head of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Uran’s first day with the tourism bureau is June 2.

Crown Point Second District Councilwoman Dawn Stokes and Police Chief Pete Land have filed the requisite forms and are in compliance with Lake County Democratic Party Central Committee and state statutes, according to Jim Wieser, party chairman.

A caucus of Crown Point’s precinct committee people takes place June 2 at 6 p.m. the Moose Lodge in Crown Point. Interested candidates may file their intent to run until 72 hours before the caucus, Wieser said.

“By state statute people have to Memorial Day by 6 p.m. to file with me,” Wieser said.

The chairman said he was pleased with the caliber of both candidates who have filed.

“Both of them are excellent candidates. Dawn has done a wonderful job in the council in my observation. Pete has been an outstanding police officer. As chairman of the party, I am real pleased with the quality of these candidates,” Wieser said.

Third District Councilman Andrew Kyres, who has served on the council since 2003 and was considering a run for the office, issued a statement he planned to remain in his council position, Wieser said.

Stokes said via Facebook her professional experience and skill set will enable her to cultivate strong relationships. Along with the experience of a dedicated group of city employees, Stokes wrote they will manage growth, deliver efficient public services and maintain a high quality of life for the residents of Crown Point.

“As an elected official of the City of Crown Point, I am looking forward to continuing my public service in the community where

I was born and raised, and full understand our city’s needs,” Stokes wrote. She has served on the city council since 2020.

Land made the announcement he was running on Facebook.

“Having lived in Crown Point for 55 years, served our community as a Crown Point police officer for 34 years, 17 of those yeas as the Police Chief, it would be my absolute privilege to continue my service to my hometown as our next Mayor,” Land wrote.

Land said that while being part of the city’s leadership team for the past 14 years and representing the police department, he has met with and spoken to thousands of residents and business leaders from every part of the city.

“One thing I know, CP is a great place! I have enjoyed so much working hard t carry out my role for our community, that being keeping CP and its visitors as safe as I can. I’d be honored to keep serving all of you as your Mayor,” he wrote.