(La Porte County, IN) - You can almost envision a tear in the eyes of a local official in his expressions of sadness over what he described as “incompetence” by La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz and the "divisiveness" within the county government he helped create from his political clashing.

 

La Porte County Democratic Party Chairman Dr. Vidya Kora asks Stabosz to do some soul searching over the legacy he wants to leave.

 

"In all the years I have been involved in county government, once the elections were over, we all served on the La Porte County Team irrespective of which party we belonged to. Unfortunately, that spirit is lacking today and has been replaced by a nasty and toxic political rhetoric." Kora said.

Kora, a medical practitioner in Michigan City, is a former La Porte County Commissioner.

 

Kora blamed the recent property tax billing mistake from the auditor’s office on Stabosz, alleging he is more interested in attacking his political opponents than learning and performing his duties.

 

“This incompetence is hurting the image of LaPorte County and hurting the morale of its employees,” Kora said.

Kora said differences need to be put aside once elections are over to provide the best service possible to the taxpayers. He expressed hope that Stabosz, after giving some thought to how he wants to be remembered in this position, will switch to becoming a partner with public servants from both parties for the people's good. 

 

Kora said he worked well with Democrats and Republicans during his eight years as county commissioner. Stabosz needs to exhibit the same type of humility to help put his attack-dog style of politics to rest, in Kora's opinion. He also appealed to voters to carefully evaluate candidates for the right qualities before deciding who to support.

 

"In any business, when we hire people who do not have the basic competence and temperament to do the job, they will drive that business into bankruptcy. The county government is no different." Kora said.