Highland councilman drops out of race
Three-term Highland Councilman Dan Vassar has withdrawn his November reelection bid.
Vassar, D-3rd, told the Post-Tribune on Thursday night that he withdrew his name from consideration Tuesday but will serve out the remainder of his term. While proud of the council’s and his accomplishments during his tenure, he feels his time in government is complete.
“I had many people tell me why they thought I should run, but for several months now I couldn’t change what I felt in my head and my heart,” Vassar said. “After nearly two decades of service to my community, I believe it’s time for me to hit the ‘pause and reset’ buttons.”
Getting into politics for Vassar was never about being a politician, he said. After being involved in the town’s Little League and Babe Ruth baseball organizations for close to 20 years either as an administrator or coach -- as well as serving on several town and church pastoral boards -- running for town council felt like the next logical step in community service when Councilman Konnie Kuiper, D-5th, who was running as an independent at the time, approached him to join the independent ticket.
Among the council’s achievements during his tenure, one of the most important to Vassar was bringing civility back.
“Twelve years ago, there was a lot of infighting that often spilled over to public meetings. That doesn’t happen anymore,” Vassar said.
But continuing to wear various hats while also working a full-time job has taken its toll, Vassar, 55, said. And now that his sons are in college and starting their own lives, he and his wife, Ann, would like to finally travel and do things for which they haven’t had time.
Highland Democratic Party Chairwoman Marsha Novak said she understands Vassar’s decision to want to spend more time with family but is sad to see him go.
“With Dan’s town government and leadership experience, the next person is going to have big shoes to fill,” Novak said Friday. “I’ve already started looking for a candidate to fill the spot, and the ideal candidate will be someone who’s willing to commit to what they believe in, but still listen to their constituent’s concerns.
“I’ve been impressed with our current council for that very reason. Take the Lincoln Center: The council could’ve easily made the decision to go forward with it, but instead they called a referendum and let the people decide. That’s a council that cares.”
Because Vassar is finishing out his term, the Highland Democratic Party has until July 3, or 30 days from June 4, to hold a caucus for his replacement, Lake County Democratic Chairwoman Michelle Fajman said. All other candidates, meanwhile, have until July 15 to decide if they’ll continue on to the November general election, Fajman said.
So far, Schererville Town Judge candidate Bridget Repay and Crown Point City Council candidate Melvin Craig III have dropped out of their respective races, Fajman said.
Once Vassar said he’s sure he’ll return to community service. It just likely won’t be on the government side of things.
“I can see myself volunteering for (Memphis, Tennessee-based) St. Jude Hospital or something else with children,” Vassar said. “I’m not closing the book on contributing to my community and the area at all. I’m just ending this chapter and plan to re-energize and find a new outlet in which to serve.”
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the PostTribune.