(La Porte County, IN) - A local citizens group is expressing concern over extreme political infighting by the La Porte County Commissioners. Specifically, the League of Women Voters of La Porte County pointed to the sparks that flew at the commissioners' meeting on December 6th.

 

Linda Lancaster, vice-president of the Michigan City organization, told the commissioners last night on behalf of the LWV that their conduct during meetings, which some people have found comical, has even drawn the attention of state lawmakers throughout the state.

 

“It’s been brought to our attention that the members of the Indiana Legislature are watching the La Porte County Commissioners meetings and find the exchange of ideas so badly expressed to the point of being humorous,” she said.

 

She said the lack of civility shown during meetings might cause some people to be disgusted enough not to run for office, vote, or participate in the democratic process in some other shape or form.

 

“It’s obvious there are strong opinions on a variety of topics and those opinions differ greatly, which again is the basis for the democratic process. However, the way the commissioners chose to show their opinions is not in a manner that encourages discourse,” she said.

 

She asked each of the three commissioners to address their behavior at the next commission meeting, scheduled for January 3rd, and to apologize to each other and the public.

 

“It’s painfully obvious there are communication problems within La Porte County and a lack of common decency and respect for each other. A laughing stock is not the reputation the citizens of La Porte County want to have with their state representatives,” she said.

 

Public access is available to the recorded commission meetings,  posted on the Access to La Porte County Media website.