Two candidates are vying for the 3rd District Lake County Board of Commissioners seat in the general election.
Commission President Michael Repay, D-Hammond, is hoping to secure another term. He will face off against the Republican candidate, Kimberly Poland, a clerk in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Voters will choose between the two in the Nov. 5 election. The 3rd District covers the northwestern corner of Lake County, encompassing most of Hammond, Whiting, East Chicago, Munster, Highland and Griffith.
Lake County Commissioner Michael C. Repay is running for re-election. (Mark Davis/Post-Tribune)
Repay was first elected as commissioner in November 2012. Before that role, he served as a member of Lake County Council for two years.
If re-elected, Repay wants to continue the work he’s done in the role so far, particularly on issues like countywide infrastructure and sewer projects by adding sewage to areas that don’t have it.
“Aside from carrying out those projects, as a general approach, I am a natural problem solver, and being on the Board of Commissioners again will help me tackle more issues that come forward,” Repay said.
His rapport with elected officials, including Lake County Council, will help in the November election, Repay said. He believes that his experience as a former councilman will also help.
“I have a good understanding of not just how the Board of Commissioners works, but I know the other offices, and their interactions and cause and effects,” Repay said.
Poland wanted to run for commissioner because she believes there’s not a large enough representation of the Republican party in county government.
Prior to her campaign, Poland was a member of Hammond City Council from 2008 to 2011, where she said she was the lone Republican.
“I feel like I made a difference,” she added. “It was a real honor to get to serve the people.”
Poland believes her time on the council prepared her for the commissioner campaign, especially because she was focused on budgetary issues. If elected, Poland said she wants to advocate for more fiscal responsibility in county government.
She also believes that commissioners should be more present and involved with the public, Poland said.
“I will be present,” she said. “I care about the community, and I want to make a difference.”
