As voters in Lake and Porter counties cast their ballots in record numbers, they are picking not only a president, but their representative in the House of Representatives.
For the first time in 35 years, the name Visclosky won’t be a choice. U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Gary, isn’t running. Voters will decide which one of three men running for the seat should represent Lake and Porter counties in Washington.
Voters have an array of issues they’d like the next congressman to address, from the COVID-19 pandemic and health care to the economy and racial equality. Closer to home, voters said the next congressman should also address the South Shore train line and affordable housing in the region.
Democratic nominee Frank Mrvan, Republican nominee Mark Leyva and Libertarian nominee Edward Mike Strauss are running to replace Visclosky, who announced in November that he would not seek reelection after 35 years in Congress. The seat has been held by a Democrat since 1931.
In a debate earlier this month, Mrvan said he was the candidate to “bring like-minded individuals” together to address issues facing the country, like helping people access mental health care and jobs.
Leyva said at the debate that he was a pro-gun, pro-life candidate who will focus on creating better jobs. Strauss said at the debate he would fight to “rebuild” the nation were people can “follow their own dreams in their own ways without interference from government.”
Jake Giles, of Dyer, said the COVID-19 pandemic was top of mind as he cast his ballot because it “overshadows everything.”
“COVID kind of affects everything, from health care to the economy, so you have to address those issues,” Giles said. “You can’t fix any of these other issues without at least addressing that.”
The next congressman should focus on expanding and protecting health care so that more people have the coverage they need, Giles said. Along those lines, reproductive health care also has to be protected and offered, he said.
When it comes to racial inequality, “you have to recognize it, first,” Giles, 38, said. Then, the next congressman should focus on legislation that could address “improving community race relations,” between residents of a community and between police officers and the community.
Environmental issues can be addressed first in “recognizing” there is a problem, Giles said. By addressing environmental issues, jobs are created and infrastructure is improved, he said.
“Whoever you elect, it has to be somebody who believes that these issues are real, focused on real issues that are actually happening in 2020 and not wedge issues that have been around since the 1950s,” Giles said. “
Lori O’Dea, of Munster, said the most important issues to her as she cast her ballot are health care, racial inequality and the COVID-19 pandemic. O’Dea, 51, said she’d like the next congressman to support health care legislation that is “affordable and accessible” for all, and support legislation that restricts abortions.
With regard to racial inequality, O’Dea said she’d like the next congressman to work toward ensuring all Americans “have a fair shot” throughout their lives. When addressing COVID-19, the congressman should pass legislation that enables a vaccine and research to move forward, she said.
In addressing the environment, O’Dea said she’d like to see less food waste in grocery stores and restaurants. Congress should also address EPA standards on carbon emissions by manufacturers and vehicles, she said.
“I’m grateful to live in a country where we can allow our voices to be heard through fair elections. I would hope that each person would take their opportunity to vote seriously,” O’Dea said.
James Dye, of Dyer, said the most important thing the next congressman should address is fiscal responsibility. Within the region, Dye, 62, said he’d like the next congressman to ensure the completion of the South Shore train line.
In response to COVID-19, Dye said the government should offer financial support to the states, but should consider having states pay the money back and find a way to make sure the money is spent on COVID-19 expenses.
The next congressman can address racial inequality by supporting legislation that would promote programs in schools to ensure students have equal opportunity and programs that help adults find jobs, Dye said.
“That’s where the legislature has to look at it. We get people contributing, working to get them a leg up so they can contribute to society,” Dye said.
Isa Johnson, 18, of Valparaiso, said she’d like the next congressman to help ensure real estate projects in the area include affordable housing because it would help many families.
“We need someone in a position of power to address this issue,” Johnson said.
In regards to health care, the actions taken by the next congressman depend on who wins the presidential election, Johnson said.
If President Donald Trump is reelected, the next congressman has to be prepared to work on new health care legislation because Trump is working to reverse the Affordable Care Act, Johnson said. If former vice president Joe Biden wins, there will likely be “less jumping through hoops” to provide health care, she said.
To address racial inequality, the next congressman can support legislation that would require teachers to attend a training course on how to address racist situation that may arise in the classroom, Johnson said. The next congressman should also support rejoining the Paris Agreement, she said.
Racial inequality and environmental issues can also be addressed simultaneously through legislation that places regulation near factories and other toxic sites, where people of color tend to live, Johnson said.
“We need to make sure we’re protecting communities that are impacted by these issues,” Johnson said.
Alex Gorman, 25, of Schererville, said he’d like the next congressman to support and expand the Affordable Care Act and to listen to health experts when considering COVID-19 legislation.
With regard to racial inequality, Gorman said the next congressman should support legislation that addresses police reform, like reimagining who responds to a wellness check call. But, to fully address racial inequality, the next congressman should “be able to have conversations with people that don’t look like (him).”
When considering environmental legislation, Gorman said the next congressman should focus on protecting area lakefront and beaches by passing legislation that would require “monitoring what pollution comes out of heavy industry” in Lake and Porter counties.
Regardless of who wins the election, Gorman said the new congressman will have “big shoes to fill.”
“Congressman Visclosky did a great job. You’re not elected to 18 terms by accident,” Gorman said. “Whoever it is is going to have to recognize that they’re stepping into a big role. Incumbents rarely lose in the First District … so hopefully they take it seriously.”
