Toni Biancardi took her familiar seat at the Burns Harbor Town Council table Wednesday evening.
Porter County Democratic Party Chair Don Craft appointed Biancardi to fill the vacancy left by Nick Loving, who moved over from council to the clerk-treasurer’s job.
Biancardi, a Republican, had previously served for 8 years on the Burns Harbor Town Council from 2015 to 2023. She decided against seeking re-election in 2023.
“I am excited because I love my community and the opportunity to serve,” Biancardi said.
Craft is empowered to make the council appointment because Burns Harbor consists of one voting precinct. All five Burns Harbor Council members serve at large.
The seat was originally held by Kurt Jordan, who resigned along with his wife Jane Jordan, the town’s clerk-treasurer, on May 8, 2024. Loving was appointed last June to fill Jordan’s seat and now Biancardi will serve the remainder of the term, which lasts through the end of 2027.
Biancardi was sworn into office Monday by Loving after she learned of her appointment.
The Wednesday meeting was the first time that Loving attended a council meeting in his new position as clerk-treasurer. He received applause from those in council chambers.
During his opening remarks, Loving repeated a sentiment that he expressed when he swore Biancardi into office Monday.
“There’s a lot that’s wrong in this world, but having Toni back in the chair is one step in making it right,” Loving said.
Biancardi said that she will be working as the council’s liaison to the street department.
During the next few weeks, Biancardi said she will become reacquainted with the town’s operations.
Biancardi is on summer break from her teaching job at Westville High School. She teaches computer science, cyber security, marketing and sales and also supervises work-study-based students.
Meanwhile, Loving said that he is adjusting well to his new job as clerk-treasurer.
Loving complimented his predecessor, Nicole Migliorini, for helping to smooth the transition. Migliorini resigned from the clerk-treasurer’s job on May 14, citing a “toxic” work environment.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
