(La Porte County, IN) - There’s a request to remove a La Porte County candidate from the ballot on allegations he doesn’t live where he wants to keep serving.

 

La Porte County Republican Party Chairman Allen Stevens went before the La Porte County Election Board today with his complaint that Richard Gramarossa doesn’t reside in Galena Township.  Gramarossa, a republican, is seeking reelection to the Galena Township Board.

 

Stevens said Gramarossa owns the residential property on 500 East near Rolling Prairie but alleged he lives in Michigan City with his wife, La Porte County Commissioner Connie Gramarossa.

 

Stevens called as a witness former La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz, who stated his check of past NIPSCO bills shows the home Gramarossa claims to live had monthly electric bills of less than $10 a month.

 

“It has been brought to my attention by multiple members of the party that they don’t believe Mr. Gramarossa is a legitimate resident of Galena Township,” he said.

 

Stevens also said an independent investigation last spring revealed Mr. Gramarossa’s vehicle was spotted at the Michigan City residence 48 times out of 71 observations.  It was also alleged the Gramarossa’s claimed homestead tax deductions at the home in Galena Township and a residence in Chicago.

 

Only one homestead tax deduction can be claimed by an individual.

 

“I find that to be problematic,” he said.

 

Mr. Gramarossa was not in attendance, but he was represented by attorney Christopher Cooper.

Cooper called Stabosz’ claims hearsay and requested copies of the NIPSCO bills to verify accuracy.  Stevens vowed to get him copies of the bills later today.

 

The election board decided to schedule a meeting for 8:30 a.m. Thursday to finish hearing the matter and making a decision.