Chesterton Councilwoman Erin Collins, D-2nd, traveled to the Indiana Statehouse Monday to testify against the proposed Congressional redistricting of Indiana.

Collins told the Town Council Monday that she had been contacted by multiple constituents who are concerned about Chesterton possibly being moved into the 2nd Congressional District. The town is in the 1st Congressional District, which encompasses Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties and is represented by U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland.

“Our residents deserve clarity, fairness and stability and not a political reshuffling,” Collins said.

Collins said that she was distressed that those who spoke in favor of the redistricting noted as justification that other states had done so for a political advantage.

“We’re better than this,” Collins said.

Two Republican council members, James Ton and Jennifer Fisher, agreed with Collins.

“The fact is, it is wrong,” Ton said, noting that the redistricting should be done after the 10-year census is conducted.

Fisher said on the Chesterton Town Council, political party affiliation doesn’t matter.  She said the aim is to work together in the best interests of the community.

In other business, Town Engineer Mark O’Dell announced that Chesterton was unsuccessful in obtaining a Community Crossings grant from the state for the first time in years.

If the town had been successful, the state grant would have paid half the cost to repave Indian Boundary Road from Plaza Drive East to N. Calumet Road, Plaza Drive and built sidewalks on the north side of Indiana Boundary Road and Plaza Drive.

Assistant Street Superintendent Dan Moy noted that Chesterton was not alone, as he had heard scores of communities had seen their grant applications rejected this time around.

“It’s a manifestation of a political agenda,” Ton said.

Moy told the council that Chesterton’s recorded snowfall of 25 inches so far exceeds the 22.5 inches for all of the last winter season.

As a result, the town has already used about half of its salt allotment. Moy said they are already investigating the potential of obtaining additional salt resources if necessary.

Moy said the street crews have done an outstanding job, so far, in clearing the town’s streets.

Council also:

*Approve the salary ordinance for the town employees. Most employees will receive a 2% raise and an additional $1 per hour for 2026.

*Gave a first reading to an ordinance that will increase new building fees for the town. It is the first increase in years.

*Decided to contribute $50,000 from opioid lawsuit settlement funds to Three20 Recovery, a nonprofit in Chesterton that provides support for those suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues.

Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/09/chesterton-councilwoman-speaks-out-against-redistricting/