(La Porte, IN) - A public servant for over a half century practically followed in his father’s footsteps.

 

Former Indiana State Senator Jim Arnold and his late father, Cliff, are now the first ones nominated under a program honoring La Porte County residents past and present.

 

La Porte County Commissioner Rich Mrozinski on Wednesday proposed signs reflecting the Arnold name go up on bridges on Johnson Road between La Porte and Michigan City.

 

If approved, the bridge above the Indiana Toll Road would be named after Jim Arnold while the bridge over Interstate 94 would carry the name of his father, who passed away in 1996.

 

“I think I’m safe in speaking for my father as well that this is a great honor to even be considered,” Arnold said.

 

He and his father served two-terms as LaPorte County Sheriff.

 

Cliff Arnold also served in Indianapolis as a state representative for nine-years prior to becoming mayor in Michigan City in 1980.

 

Jim Arnold, a state senator from 1999 to 2006, is in the fourth year of his first term on the La Porte School Board.

 

“I think it’s a fitting tribute to people who have contributed a lot not only to LaPorte County but the State of Indiana,” Mrozinski said.

 

The names will be given to a committee to decide under a process the commissioners approved last year for adding names to the over 200 bridges in the county.

 

Serving on the committee will be a commissioner, member of the county council, a county historian and two others to be appointed by the commissioners.

 

La Porte County Commission president Sheila Matias said the nominations start the process of accepting the names of other individuals deserving consideration for going above and beyond in any capacity during their lifetimes.

 

She wasn’t sure how many bridges will have names added to start but feels it’ll be done in phases.

 

She said the idea is to give identity to bridges known strictly by numbers and promote LaPorte County as a home to people who’ve accomplished a great deal.

 

“This is way of us saying if you are a contributor in our county we want to honor your contributions,” Matias said.