(Indianapolis, IN) - A new state lawmaker locally has been assigned to help with matters involving Mother Nature. District 9 State Representative Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) will serve on the Natural Resources Committee and the Environmental Affairs Committee in the Indiana House.
“My committee assignments give me a direct platform to advocate for the challenges and opportunities in Northwest Indiana. Our district has a unique relationship with Lake Michigan and the environment around us, and it’s our responsibility to protect that,” he said.
The appointments were made during the annual Organization Day Wednesday at the statehouse. Organization Day is held before the state legislature meets the following year beginning in January to consider and decide pieces of proposed legislation offered by lawmakers in the House and Senate.
Novak is serving the remainder of the term of Pat Boy, who retired after serving as the District 9 state representative since 2019. He was voted into the seat last month by democratic precinct committeepersons from the district.
“I didn’t get here the traditional way, and that makes me even more humble to have this responsibility. It’s an honor to sit in this chamber and represent District 9. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and I’m ready to show people that I’m here to work,” he said.
Novak also said he will reach across party lines to try and get things accomplished and plans to stay away from the type of political fighting that’s become a priority over real local needs to the dismay of many Hoosiers.
“Folks are worried about whether they can afford their heat bill this winter, whether their children are receiving a strong education and if their taxpayer dollars are truly being invested back into their communities that serve them. They expect legislators who listen, collaborate and move Indiana forward. I intend to be one of them,” he said.
Novak was a longtime member of the La Porte County Council prior to taking his seat at the statehouse. He was also fire chief in Michigan City when he decided a few years ago to retire from the department.
