Following her win in the caucus for Calumet Township trustee, Tai Adkins said she was grateful for the support of her community.
“I’m looking forward to all the great things we will do,” said Adkins, president of the Gary Common Council and Calumet Township trustee-elect.
Adkins won the seat after two voting rounds at the Thursday caucus. She won with 25 votes, needing 24 to win, said Jim Wieser, chairman of the Lake County Democratic Party.
Eight candidates filed to run for the position, but Sharon Chambers, a local business owner, withdrew Wednesday afternoon.
Prior to voting, Wieser said the person with the lowest votes would be dropped off each round. Whoever didn’t receive 10% of the votes — which was five — would also be dropped.
After the first round, Shanita Starks, McKenya Dilworth-Smith and Linda Collins Brown were eliminated. Starks received one vote, Dilworth-Smith received three and Collins Brown received none.
Adkins received 22 votes and went into a second round with Sherita Smith, Glenn Johnson and Carol Ann Seaton. In the second round, Smith received six votes, Johnson received eight and Seaton received seven.
Fifty-one precinct committee members were eligible to vote, Wieser said, but 47 participated. Committee members could choose not to vote in a round.
A caucus will have to be held to fill Adkins’ council seat.
In a statement Friday morning, Adkins said she was grateful for the Gary Democratic Precinct Organization for their support and selecting her. She shared that sentiment Thursday night as well.
“As I step into this position, my first priority is to ensure that we continue delivering vital services to those who rely on us,” Adkins said. “It’s essential that we maintain stability and reliability for our residents. In addition, I’m eager to get to know the inner workings of the township, so that I can help improve our internal processes and bring fresh, innovative solutions to the table.”
Candidates had time to speak to committee members before the first voting round, and Adkins highlighted her experience on the council as a reason to elect her.
“You all have seen me grow into a strong leader as a member of the Gary Common Council, in which I served every second of my term with the utmost level of integrity and highest level of respect for my colleagues in the city,” Adkins said.
From her time on council, Adkins is most proud of strengthening the city’s finances, the Jewel Park program and tackling infrastructure projects.
As trustee, Adkins has promised to ensure fiscal responsibility through “enhancing internal controls” and third-party audits. She also wants to enhance community engagement, bring awareness to township resources and bring innovative solutions.
A caucus had to be held after ex-Trustee Kim Robinson resigned from the position.
On. Dec 23, Robinson pleaded guilty in Hammond’s U.S. District Court to one count of wire fraud, which can carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Federal prosecutors alleged she used $11,200 in township funds to pay her rent.
As part of the plea deal, Robinson resigned as trustee and chairperson for the Democratic Precincts of Gary. If her deal is accepted, she will serve one year of probation and have to repay $11,200, plus an $8,700 fine, according to Post-Tribune archives.
Robinson is the third consecutive Calumet Township trustee to face federal charges.
While Robinson was trustee, the township paid Adkins’ company, ARC Group Contractors, $38,400, according to a nonemployee compensation form sent to the Post-Tribune.
The company was hired to support and implement park initiatives, which former Gary Deputy Mayor Trent McCain alleges Adkins needed to get approval from the parks department to do. McCain said Adkins never received approval.
In an email to the Post-Tribune, Adkins said the company was not hired for a “park project” and was instead hired to identify a possible recreation project as well as various avenues and stakeholders.
Following her caucus win Thursday, Adkins addressed House Bill 1233, which aims to dissolve township government in 91 counties, excluding Marion County. State Rep. Karen Engleman, R-Georgetown, authored the bill, and it was sent to the local government committee on Jan. 9.
Adkins plans to work with local legislators, including Sen. Mark Spencer, D-Gary, and Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary.
In an email to the Post-Tribune Friday morning, Adkins elaborated, saying she is “deeply concerned” about House Bill 1233. Indiana’s poverty rate is about 12%, Adkins said, and she believes the bill will only exacerbate those issues.
“I am looking forward to working alongside the consortium of fellow township government leaders to advocate for reforms that prioritize the well-being of our residents and ensure the continuation of essential services in the most effective way possible,” Adkins said.
