Scandals concern, disappoint county officials
Politicians believe they'll be painted with same brush as Pastrick, Riga
NWI Times
Aug 8, 2004
nwitimes.com/news/state-and-regional/scandals-concern-disappoint-county-officials/article_7912fdeb-c0a7-5966-995e-44b03440e075.html
CROWN POINT -- Lake County officials expressed disappointment and concern Friday after this week's storm of scandals swirling around East Chicago Mayor Robert Pastrick and former Schererville Town Judge Deborah Riga.
On Friday, the Indiana Supreme Court reversed a lower court ruling and ordered a special election to replace the May 2003 Democratic Primary between Pastrick and George Pabey.
The ruling followed Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter's announcement Tuesday that he is suing Pastrick's administration to recoup millions of public dollars allegedly stolen through a "corrupt enterprise used for personal gain by the mayor and others."
Riga has been accused of misusing money while she was a judge.
"Overall, I feel relentless depression," said County Surveyor George Van Til, a Democrat. "All the things together are disappointing.
"As for East Chicago, I have for decades had a problem with their politics and have hoped for change. The incredible arrogance of those people and their system seems to have hit many bumps in the road these days.
"My continuing concern is that people put all of us in the same sinking boat when, in fact, I know some of us are public servants. My major concern is that everyone gets lumped together. I hope people are discriminating in that respect.
"It's sad to see this happening," Lake County Treasurer Peggy Holinga Katona. "I'm shocked. It's gotten out of control."
Lake County Councilman Larry Blanchard, R-Crown Point, agreed.
"It's sad in a way, because it gives a bad name to all officials in Lake County," he said.
County Councilman Thomas O'Donnell D-Dyer, agreed officeholders will be painted with the same broad brush of allegations of wrongdoing. He also questioned the timing of Carter's announcement, since it is only three months before the election and Carter has been in office for three years.
"I don't want to think that the chief law enforcement officer of the state is concerned with politics," he said.
Blanchard said the good news is that once the courts make their decisions in regard to the indictments, and if those officials are found guilty, then justice will be served.
Katona said she hopes voters don't make broad generalities and believe all politicians are corrupt.
"You don't want to eliminate a legitimate vote. People who are honest will be honest. I don't care if you live in lake County or where you live. You'll have honest people and others," she said.
"I don't think it will change," Van Til said, alluding to the impression the rest of the state has about Northwest Indiana. "I think they have a negative opinion of us anyway."
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