Longtime Lake officials tout know-how and public service

For Lake County Councilman Charlie Brown, Thursday’s swearing in at the Lake County Government Center will likely be his last.

Brown, who served as a state representative for 36 years in the Indiana General Assembly before moving on to serve as the 3rd District Councilman in 2018, said these sort of events can become “humdrum” over nearly four decades in office and 20 swearing in ceremonies. But it brings back memories of why he entered the political arena.

“I had no interest in being an elected official, but some friends of mine kept encouraging me to run,” Brown said. “I had no clue that I would win my first turnout; in fact, I have never lost an election.”

Brown and 11 other county officials were sworn at the Lake County Democratic Central Committee event Thursday at the Government Center’s Auditorium following their electoral victories in November.

While it’s a formality to some and a great honor to others, the swearing in ceremony marks the beginning of a new term for many of Lake County’s longest serving public officials.

Prosecutor Bernard Carter, who was sworn in to his eighth term, said the ceremony has meant more to him now than previous years.

“I know more, I’ve been there, done that, and I’ve been exposed to things that we need to do in this county to make it safer, and this is a commitment to continue to do that,” he said.

Carter was sworn in to his eighth term as Lake County Prosecutor, maintaining the same office for nearly three decades, first swearing into office on Dec. 6, 1993.

For Lake County Auditor Peggy Katona, the last two dozen years of public service has become a

bittersweet experience.

Katona followed her mother Irene Holinga’s footsteps as a public servant; Holinga, the first woman elected to office in Lake County, served as treasurer for four nonconsecutive terms. Katona, also a former Lake County Treasurer, held office for 8 years before switching gears, becoming chief county auditor

“I love serving the people, I love working with the public and my background is in finance so I’m in the right position.”

JOHN SMIERCIAK/POST TRIBUNE PHOTOS Judge Randy Wyllie congratulates Lake County Auditor Peggy Holinga Katona on Thursday after the swearing-in ceremony by the Lake County Democrats at the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point.

Lake County District 5 Councilwoman Christine Cid, right, greets wellwishers after the ceremony, which was held for anyone in the party who had recently been elected to office.

PHOTOS JOHN SMIERCIAK/POSTTRIBUNE County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter, center, greets well-wishers with his daughter Bryce Carter, from left, wife Natalie Carter and daughter Brooklyn after the swearing-in ceremony by the Lake County Democrats on Thursday.

County Assessor Latanya Spearman greets family and friends after the ceremony.