Education emphasis, transparency and controlling taxes are among the top tug-of-war issues for the four candidates with competing campaigns for the two open at-large member seats for the Valparaiso City Council.
Republicans Michelle Harris and Matt Murphy and Democrats Emilie Hunt and Ellen Kapitan are a blend of both new approaches to leading and institutional experience.
Harris, a Valparaiso resident for 15 years and teacher with Valparaiso Community Schools for 12 years, said her civic experience “stems from work with students in the classroom,” and is ready to expand her “outreach to the city council to serve the people of Valparaiso.”
“I am a graduate of Ball State University and Valparaiso University and I have been inspired by my husband Chuck’s commitment to public service and look forward to being an additional example of community commitment for my daughter and bonus daughters,” Harris said.
A lifelong Valparaiso resident and former District 3 city councilman, Murphy was elected in 2019 after Mayor Jon Costas retired, and believes the city budget and the council’s appointment of new school board members rank among top priorities.
“Keeping our community safe with strong police and fire protection and providing the best in equipment, training and compensation packages is a top priority,” Murphy said.
“Providing quality city services in the form of reliable water, pick up of trash, recycling, leaves and brush, plus snow removal is another focus and making best use of funds for maintaining streets and sidewalks; maximizing public spaces and services while keeping rates competitive for all of us. Managing growth for a sought-after community with excellent services, schools and quality of life means ensuring that we retain the character of our city while expanding opportunities for housing, business and recreation in a sustainable way.”
Hunt said experience as an estate and elder law attorney has inspired her as an advocate for the community.
“I have become increasingly involved in this community over the past 10 years and that is due to a lack of comprehensive representation on our council,” Hunt said.
“We currently have a council that is so focused on the big picture that practical issues are often overlooked. Residents have felt the direct impact of that this year paying twice the cost for half the recycling service. That doesn’t happen overnight. Another major catalyst for me is the lack of discussion that occurs in public meetings. A balanced government won’t always agree but they should be able to discuss their decision at public meetings. This city deserves a council that not only listens to public concerns but who can provide responses.”
Kapitan said engaged citizens should take an active role in determining the future direction of Valparaiso.
“My background in environmental education has helped me to understand how the component parts of an ecosystem work together to produce a healthy environment and a city operates similarly,” Kapitan said.
“Empowered people with forward-looking ideas, coupled with strong institutions, can produce a thriving and successful community. For years, I had been following along with city council and other commission meetings while getting involved with our Central Neighborhood Association. The more answers I tried to find, the more questions I had. I noticed at council meetings a lack of public input. This prompted me to ask more questions.”
Harris said her top three priorities are safety for the community and schools, government transparency and communication, as well as “development of neighborhoods.”
Hunt’s primary concerns are housing and public safety.
“Matt Murphy and Jon Costas believe Valparaiso is an affordable place to live and I celebrate the success both of these men have had,” Hunt said.
“Valparaiso’s median income does not support the housing that is offered or the housing that is being developed. We deserve a council that can look outside of their own experience and appreciate and address the reality that others are facing. We have streets and sidewalks crumbling while a multimillion dollar parking garage is being built with taxpayer dollars.”
Kapitan’s key priorities are to promote transparency and accountability of all elected officials.
“I’d like to see more diverse commissions, including the people that would be most impacted by those decisions,” Kapitan said.
“I also want to see our city adopt an environmental commission similar to what we see in Porter and Michigan City. This commission would potentially advocate for the conservation of energy sources, energy efficient buildings and clean energy, encourage recycling, and promote green spaces, sidewalks and bike paths.”
Harris cited that Valparaiso has more than 50% of the income-assisted housing in Porter County, and said she finds the lack of affordable housing unacceptable.
“For many years I was a single mom and I fully understand how important it is to have affordable and safe housing,” Harris said.
“I don’t know that there is one right answer to this problem, but I am willing to research, learn, and help develop more options for our community because strong neighborhoods make strong cities.”
Hunt said if elected she will provide the balance needed for council representation.
“I don’t have the connections or family ties other candidates have, and that is exactly what this council needs: an independent representative who is running to serve the interests of Valpo,” Hunt said.
Kapitan said the election season offers residents “the opportunity for checks and balances in city council.”
“This is the chance to demand transparency and accountability from our current leaders,” Kapitan said.
“Decisions should be discussed in public meetings, not just behind doors. We need a culture that reflects the people in the community. Our city leadership needs a culture that fosters feedback and collaboration in order to strengthen the community.”
Murphy said he remains fully committed to supporting the city of Valparaiso in a further leadership role.
“By serving on the city council, I can share all that I have learned as mayor, as a former council member, from serving on the Redevelopment Commission and from being involved in many other ways in my hometown,” Murphy said.
“The same interest that drove my run for mayor drives me now: making the city of Valparaiso the best place to live, work, raise a family and remain through retirement. “
Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
