05052015 - News Article - Anderson wins Dem nod in Lake Station mayor race

Anderson wins Dem nod in Lake Station mayor race
NWI Times
May 05, 2015 - 10:00 pm
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/anderson-wins-dem-nod-in-lake-station-mayor-race/article_f718f336-ba59-5bcf-9858-f0658786b4be.html

LAKE STATION | The city will have a new mayor in 2016.

Christopher Anderson easily defeated incumbent Lake Station Mayor Keith Soderquist, and other challengers, Ray Ostrander and Robert Gutzmer, in the Democratic primary.

Sitting on the shoulders of two of his supporters, Anderson, the Lake Station city judge, thanked those who supported him Tuesday.

“You deserve it,” one supporter shouted back at him.

Anderson said he understands the primary was the first step in his goal to become the city’s mayor. He said he is looking forward to working with the Democratic party on his campaign in the general election.

Anderson will face Republican Edward “Ed” Peralta in the November general. Peralta was unopposed in the Republican primary.

Anderson said the residents’ voices haven’t been heard by the city’s administration for years.

“Our voices have been heard today,” he said.

Anderson served as the Lake Station City Court judge for about seven years before he decided to run for mayor. He said he would bring accountability to the mayor’s office.

He said if he is elected in the general election, he will focus on implementing an ethics policy in Lake Station.

“It’s all about good government,” Anderson said. He said ethics training for city employees would begin “right away” if he becomes mayor.

Anderson said all city residents deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and it’s necessary to hear all their concerns to enhance the community.

He said he also is concerned about the city’s financial situation. Anderson said he will work to bring financial stability to the community.

Soderquist couldn’t be immediately reached for comment Tuesday night.

Soderquist, his wife, Deborah, and stepdaughter, Miranda Brakley, are awaiting trial on allegations the mayor and his wife gambled at a casino with money diverted from the mayor's campaign treasury and a city food pantry and tried to cover up the theft of bond money from the city court by the mayor's stepdaughter.