The Valparaiso City Council began the first meeting of the new year with new leadership positions and liaison appointments, including naming Ellen Kapitan as city council president and Emilie Hunt as city council vice president for 2025.
Previously, Robert Cotton, who represents District 3, served as council president in 2024. Kapitan and Hunt both serve as at-large members of the council.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve in this role, and I appreciate the support as I look forward to 2025,” Kapitan said at the Jan. 13 meeting.
Mayor Jon Costas said a Valparaiso City Council with four-member women representation, including occupying both of the president and vice president appointments, is not unusual and has happened previously in Valparaiso’s city history.
The remainder of the council is comprised of Diana Reed for District 1, Barbara Domer for District 3, Jack Pupillo for District 4 and Peter Anderson for District 5.
In addition to their roles representing constituents, Valparaiso City Council members also serve as liaisons to City of Valparaiso boards and commissions with 2025 appointments.
Kapitan will serve on the Plan Commission, Traffic and Safety and Environmental Advisory Board, with Domer and Reed serving on the Redevelopment Commission and Traffic and Safety, and Domer also assigned to Board of Works and Reed assigned to Parks, Cotton representing Code Enforcement, Fire Territory and Investigation and Reconciliation, with Hunt representing school board, Pupillo assigned to public safety and Anderson for Utilities.
“We are fortunate to have both our elected officials and fellow citizens with their levels of experience serving our city in this way,” Costas said.
“We are grateful for everyone stepping up to serve.”
Kapitan reminded other 2025 appointments include Hannah Trueblood to the Board of Zoning Appeals with three remaining years and Alison Quackenbush continuing for a second year on the Valparaiso Economic Development Commission.
To learn more about the Valparaiso City Council, including contact information for each member of the council, visit the City Council page at valpo.us.
Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
