Two newly established Valparaiso bodies seek members to guide and oversee the best interests for community ethical decisions and to ensure environmental standards are upheld.
Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas said Valparaiso first established its Ethics Commission in 2005 and ranks as one of just a few communities in the region served by an independent ethics commission.
“Four members were recently appointed and there is a need for a fifth,” Costas said.
“Although not a prerequisite, the Ethics Commission is looking for applicants that possess experience in religious or ethical leadership.”
Further details and the online application are posted at www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/116/Ethics-Commission.
The new Environmental Advisory Board was established last month by an ordinance introduced by City Council member Ellen Kapitan, D-At-large. According to the ordinance, members serving on the board will “provide guidance and recommendations to the City, staff, boards, commissions and community members on environmental sustainability policies and practices, and also charged with promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental quality and ensuring the responsible stewardship of natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.”
“The Valparaiso City Council will appoint four members and is seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds to engage in thoughtful discussions and offer practical solutions,” Kapitan said.
“People with expertise in sustainability, conservation or local environmental issues, as well as passionate residents who care about the future of our environment, should consider applying.”
Further details and the online application are at www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/1804/Environmental-Advisory-Board.
Council member Peter Anderson, R-5th, said during the Oct. 10 meeting that he worked with Kapitan to address questions of funds that he feared might be donated to the environmental board by special interest groups. Anderson asked who would review such donations.
“It could be perceived that a special interest group is donating money to this advisory board to give the impression that special consideration might be given to them,” Anderson said.
“So we talked about larger donations to that gift fund being brought before the council first.”
Valparaiso City Attorney Patrick Lyp said since one of the advisory board members will be a city council member, that member will also allow for a watchdog opportunity to report to the council about matters of concern.
Council member Jack Pupillo R-4th, called the board “redundant when we already have city departments and representatives doing a great job.”
“I have a fear the creation of this new board will throw up a lot of red tape for the planning department, city engineering and an economic development standpoint,” Pupillo said.
Both council members Anderson and Pupillo voted against the ordinance, which passed 5 to 2.
Resident Walter Breitinger praised Kapitan during the Oct. 28 public hearing on the ordinance.
“We need a board such as this and I’m so happy it’s finally happening,” Breitinger said.
“I was one of those who was lobbying 15 years ago for our city departments to start getting solar energy incorporated and that has finally happened. And, looking back now, it’s probably a good thing the city waited 15 years since now it’s much more affordable and cost of solar cells on roofs has come down compared to what it was back 15 years ago,” Breitinger said.
“I’ve been coming to these meetings since the 1970s and I don’t think there’s ever been as important a time as this one for the environmental advisory board and it’s forward-thinking.”
Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.