11072010 - News Article - The same day four federal grand jury indictments came down on

The same day four federal grand jury indictments came down on

Post-Tribune (IN)
November 7, 2010
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The same day four federal grand jury indictments came down on Oct. 21, the Gary Police Department suspended Phillip Rucker, an unpaid reserve police officer. 

Yet another indicted city worker, Jacquelyn Drago - Hunter , continues to serve the city and oversee millions of dollars as its Community Development director. 

Drago - Hunter should step down from her City Hall post until the accusations are substantiated or refuted. She is facing two counts of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme that federal authorities say enabled her and three others to pocket $301,247. 

She is indeed innocent until proven guilty, but she's also tainted as a public official. Whether anyone in the city can admit it or not, having her around doesn't enhance the perception and reputation of the city. 

Instead of issuing a suspension, Mayor Rudy Clay blindly stands behind Drago - Hunter , calling her "a God-fearing person from a God-fearing family." 

At least Clay said something. 

The rest of Northwest Indiana's political establishment is ignoring the latest round of embarrassing federal charges. The silence on the part of elected officials is bewildering, given President Obama's position on the need for transparency and clean government in regard to the disbursement of federal funds. 

Last week in Gary, Ron Sims, the deputy secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, reiterated Obama's position on federal money going to communities that are good 

stewards of the money. Was anyone listening? 

Drago-Hunter is drawing a salary and watching over a federal pot of cash for Clay in the Community Development Department, and City Council members aren't speaking out. As long as it's business as usual in Gary, the federal government shouldn't entrust the city with a dime. 

Drago-Hunter should step aside for now.