Griffith GOP hopes to retain council, clerk’s seats

Lake County’s most populous race comes in Griffith, were every administrative position is contested.

Former Police Chief Karl Grimmer will face incumbent Republican George Jerome for the Clerk-Treasurer spot; Democrat Larry Stassin is challenging recently appointed 1st Ward Councilman Jim Marker; incumbent GOP 2nd Ward Councilman Larry Ballah will meet Democrat Wally Hartman; and Alex Fisher Jr. will take on current Council President Rick Ryfa in the 3rd Ward.

In the 4th Ward, Democrat Board of Zoning Appeals member Eddie Gonzalez is challenging incumbent Pat Schaadt, and Dem Public Works employee Michael Ball will square off against Republican business owner Tony Hobson in the 5th Ward.

In the last four years, several challengers don’t deny that the roads have undergone major improvement, the downtown area has been revitalized to a degree and small businesses have come to town. The addition of Central Market and the several big events the town throws throughout the year have added to the ambiance.

But some criticize that the changes have been somewhat misguided and in some instances, they believe too costly. Now that downtown has undergone a revamp, the Dems believe the full focus should be directed toward the north corridor, Ridge Road from Griffith Plaza to Colfax Street.

“The current council has ignored (the Ridge corridor) for quite some time,” said Stassin, who’s lived in town for 25 years. “The Griffith Golf Course has nothing, and it could have a sports complex like the one in Hammond (Dowling Park Athletic Complex, a joint effort between the City of Hammond and Purdue University.). We need a good use of space that will then funnel people into the downtown area.”

Another concern of the Dems focuses on the money that was spent to fix the majority of the town’s roads within the last few years. Stassin said Ball looked at the numbers for the bond that was taken out and determined the town would be paying $600,000 per year on it for the next 19 years.

“Getting the roads fixed is nice and the people in town are happy,” Stassin said. “But how’re we going to pay that? Are we going to borrow on top of the $23 million? And how are we going to maintain the roads now that they’re fixed?”

Incumbent Ryfa said the bond, which is only $13.5 million, will be paid through stormwater, redevelopment and county economic development tax monies, or money that’s already coming into town.

“Doing the majority of the roads in two years allows us to set aside money for improved maintenance,” Jerome said.

Ball, who said residents’ response has been “extremely positive” toward the Democrats, said he’ll be the “loudest voice” on the council in honor of Dobosz, who was the lone Democrat for the last four years.

“We want all of Griffith to come together,” he said.

Grimmer, who served as the town’s police chief for 13 years, said he would make sure employees in the Clerk-Treasurer Department are cross-trained in every position, just as he did when he was chief. But he said the current administration’s efforts to lower the tax levy $1.4 million by taking on excess spending in Calumet Township. Has been admirable and he appreciates the efforts others have made in the town.

“The Farmer’s Market, for example. I love it,” he said.

Republican Ballah, who took Jerome’s spot on the council when Jerome was appointed clerk-treasurer, and Democrat Gonzalez would like to see more improvements to the parks. Marker said he would like to see the Police Department continue on its current path.

“We have a great ambience, and I’d like to see the atmosphere continue,” he said. “We really appreciate the many volunteers we have in town. They are truly a gift.”

Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.