East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland knew when he assumed the city’s top spot Oct. 10, 2010, that it would be a roller coaster ride, though not necessarily an enjoyable one.
Still, there are things to savor being mayor, which is why Copeland has kept his hat in the ring. He will face Arthur Santos Sr., a Republican, in Tuesday’s General Election.
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“Fun? That’s a funny way to put it,” Copeland said with a grin when asked if leading the once-beleaguered city has lost its sense of joyfulness. “It’s not fun. I get humbled by the responsibility, but I do enjoy the accomplishment of it.”
Accomplishments have been steady since taking over after former Mayor George Pabey resigned after being convicted of public corruption charges. Copeland, a Democrat, said the city has hit its mark in terms of public safety by providing training and procuring new vehicles for both departments, and the city is on pace to complete its complete rebuild of Broadway and Main Street.
Santos did not respond to requests for comment.
Copeland also said the city’s budget is finally balanced after inheriting a $15 million deficit.
These accomplishments didn’t come without challenges. The police and fire departments, for example, were upset that they were facing losing six paid sick days, and as a former firefighter himself, he understood their aggravation.
The sacrifice was shared across all city departments, though, not just police and fire.
“With the austerity, no one’s pay was reduced,” Copeland said. “The Police Department hadn’t had raises in several years, but now, they’ve gotten three annual bonuses, and this year, they’ll get a 3 percent raise and a bonus. We got through it, and we’re slowly able to give things back.”
As for the most recent black eye – the indictment of 3rd District Councilman Robert Battle on murder and federal drug charges – Copeland had nothing to say other than the courts will decide his fate.
“History will show that no one man or woman stands for East Chicago, Copeland said. “We don’t tie ourselves to one person, and our resiliency is built upon the people who live here. People are our foundation.”
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.