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VOTE411 Voter Guide

County Commissioner, District 3

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    Matthew J Celestin
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Richard A Deleon
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Alfredo (Al) Menchaca
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Kimberly A Poland
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Humberto Prado
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Michael C Repay
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What are your top two priorities you would address if elected?

What county infrastructure priorities do you believe need the most attention?

How would you rate the importance of reconciling or producing basic financial reports that aid in the county auditing process?

Please explain your answer to the question above.

If you are currently in this elected position, please describe your communication methods with residents in your district (outside of scheduled council meetings). If you are not currently in this position, please describe how you would maintain a relationship with your constituents if elected.

Do you agree or disagree that communications (meeting announcements, agendas, minutes, and public meetings) with the public needs to be improved?

Please explain your answer to the above question.

What else would you like to share with us.

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Fiscal Responsibility Reduce Taxpayer Waste
Public Safety
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Reduction in homicides and increasing drug interdiction.
Through printed and social media and quarterly or bi-annually newsletters.
Support
I will ensure that all meeting agendas are on-line and in local newsprint.
Too much time and tax payer dollars are spend bickering with the council. I will help improve relationships and identify specific areas of responsibility.
Campaign Website http://www.electprado.com
Campaign Email prado@electprado.com
Strengthening the Sheriff's Department's approach to crime prevention is paramount for ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities. Additionally, I would advocate for investing in programs that address the underlying causes of crime, such as poverty, substance abuse, and mental health issues, while also emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration for offenders.
Infrastructure is the backbone of many counties, and investing in it is essential for economic growth and development. I would prioritize infrastructure projects that not only repair and maintain existing roads and bridges, but also modernize them to meet the evolving needs of our communities. This includes investing in sustainable and resilient infrastructure that can withstand the challenges of time and promoting smart technologies to improve efficiency and connectivity. By prioritizing infrastructure investment, we can create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and enhance the overall quality of life for everyone in Lake County.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Reconciling and producing basic financial reports are fundamental steps in ensuring the fiscal health and integrity of the county's operations. These reports serve as vital tools for transparency, accountability, and decision-making, not only within the county administration but also for the community.
Maintaining a relationship with constituents requires proactive engagement, transparent communication, active listening, and a genuine commitment to representing their interests. By prioritizing these principles, I hope to build trust, foster collaboration, and effectively serve the needs of the community.
Support
There is currently a disconnect from the county commissioners. That needs to change. There is definitely a need for improvement.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for reaching out and engaging with our community. Your dedication to promoting civic engagement and informed participation is invaluable, and I appreciate the work you do to empower voters and advocate for democratic principles.
Twitter Handle @@mcrepay
Campaign Website http://www.mikerepay.com
Campaign Email mikerepay@gmail.com
Years in an elected position 11
The job of a County Commissioner has so many facets that it really is difficult to carve out just two. I'd have to call the maintenance of current programs a priority including but not limited to constructing and maintaining the various roads, bridges and buildings that are the responsibility of the Board of Commissioners. These are assets of Lake County which must be cared for on an ongoing basis to improve efficiency and safety of our residents and visitors. If I had to identify two in particular, I would choose the Septic Tank Elimination programs that we have undertaken in Calumet and Center Townships with the money we received from President Biden's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In addition, the work in selecting and helping to develop a Convention Center in Lake County, will be a priority in the coming months and years.
I would say that critical investments need to be made today for the next 50 years. These include road and bridge maintenance but also improvements to our courthouse buildings and other property. Investing in renewable energy and environmentally friendly operations of all county property need attention today so that we can end up in a better position 20 years from today.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
The financial reports are the minimum requirements, we can and will have a financial system in the coming months that performs at the basic level and allows decision makers the real-time information necessary to make sound decisions about the future. Having quality reporting alone is not enough.
I have regular office hours where I meet with individuals and small groups in my offices in Hammond, East Chicago and Crown Point. I have all the typical ways to be reached and pride myself on returning calls even if I am not the Elected Official who is directly responsible. I am a problem solver, I enjoy helping people get to the answers they deserve. Aside from regular meetings and office hours, I have hosted events outside of the office and attended many small group meetings throughout the district to share my vision and answer questions.
Support
I'm the type of person who thinks that no matter how effective the current methods are, we can always do better.
I appreciate the opportunity to share information in this forum and appreciate the League of Women Voters for hosting this site.