Issues pertaining to Gary and Northwest Indiana were discussed during a legislative forum held Saturday, March 2 at the Glen Theatre on Ridge Road in Gary. The five-member legislative panel provided information on bills currently before the Indiana General Assembly and answered questions from the audience.
Participating in the legislative panel were State Senator Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago; State Representative Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary; State Senator Eddie Melton, D-Gary; State Representative Earl Harris, Jr., D-East Chicago; and State Representative Vernon Smith, D-Gary.
Before the meeting Smith said, “…it is important to meet with my constituents on a regular basis to provide an update on what I’ve done and what I’ve tried to do during the 2019 legislative session.”
Other legislators echoed that sentiment. State Representative Hatcher noted that it is important for legislators “to hear from our constituents and update them on the happenings in the General Assembly.”
Area residents had a lot on their minds. There was a long line waiting for the audience microphone to direct questions to legislators.
Anti-crime legislation was a concern of those attending the forum.
As the forum progressed an update was provided on legislation dealing with Gary changing from lakefront gaming to land-based gaming.
