Public officials' conduct matters
Post-Tribune
Feb 03, 2017
Disenchantment with Northwest Indiana's elected officials who stand accused of public corruption or have admitted to breaking the law is ratcheting up.
Finally.
Don't expect resignations from Portage Mayor James Snyder, Lake County Sheriff John Buncich or Lake County Councilman Jamal Washington anytime soon. All have come under fire recently for failing to step aside from their public service jobs. Yes, they have no legal obligation to do so, and let's not forget they likely will need deep pockets to pay off attorney bills. So those taxpayer-funded paychecks might come in handy.
Sadly, as calls for their resignations echo throughout the region, this trio seem steered by moral compasses that point toward their own self-interests, not those of the citizens and communities who elected them.
Taxpayers should expect public officials to conduct themselves properly, follow the law and — at the very least — not put themselves in compromising positions.
Yet, here we are.
It's the right time for a strong public outcry. Loud voices and protests can lead to change.
Snyder, a second-term Republican in Porter County's largest city, is rejecting calls from his City Council to resign, or even to just stay away. According to public records, the Portage mayor earns $53,466 from the city and $30,000 annually as chairman of the Utility Service Board. He is accused in federal court of taking a $13,000 bribe in exchange for a city towing contract. He's also accused of obstructing IRS laws in connection with his personal and business taxes. He has pleaded not guilty.
"No Resigning!" was Snyder's crisp retort in an email after returning with his wife and four kids from a trip to President Donald Trump's inauguration that he billed to taxpayers. Snyder took along a security detail that included the Portage police chief and assistant police chief. The trip's total cost to taxpayers was at least $2,692. You're welcome, mayor.
Buncich, the most powerful Democrat in Lake County, who pulls in $143,926 annually, must not see much reason to walk away from that paycheck, either. The sheriff is facing a multicount indictment alleging he took bribes in the form of thousands of dollars in cash and donations to his campaign fund from a towing contractor who sought the county's business.
Buncich also isn't leaving his post as chairman of the Lake County Democratic Party. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., a Buncich critic, and Lake GOP Chairman Dan Dernulc, a Lake councilman, issued calls for Buncich to resign.
Buncich, who remains free on bond while he oversees the county's largest law enforcement unit, is asking a federal judge to return his firearms. He contends the weapons are necessary to carry out his duties as sheriff. Buncich has pleaded not guilty and faces an April trial.
Meanwhile, state Rep. Charlie Brown, a Gary Democrat, said last week that Washington should step down as a Lake County councilman following his December guilty plea to misdemeanor charges of battery and invasion of privacy.
Brown rightfully called for Washington to resign. "Washington's actions are distasteful to not only women but to anyone else who respects women," Brown stated.
Both of Washington's charges were bargained down from felony strangulation counts. Washington admitted to "losing his cool" in an argument with his wife and pushing her. His sentence of one year was suspended, and he's serving a year on probation.
Washington, who earns a salary of $32,681 plus health benefits, did agree to step down from his role as vice president of the County Council, a position his fellow council members incredulously entrusted him with last month. So there's that.
Snyder and Buncich have not had their day in court, but either way, the clouds that hang over them are embarrassments to themselves and the region. Their decisions to remain in their current capacities are troubling as the public trust crumbles.
Taxpayers deserve public officials who conduct themselves in a manner that's beyond reproach. We demand it.
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