GARY, IND. – On Thursday, June 20, community members in Gary gathered at the Temple of Deliverance for a pioneering Community Forum hosted by Mayor Eddie Melton and his administration. This event marked a significant stride in promoting government transparency and citizen engagement within the city.
Mayor Melton opened the forum by emphasizing the administration’s commitment to direct communication with residents. “Tonight, we’ve brought City Hall to you. While we might not have every answer today, our goal is to listen, understand, and work towards addressing your questions,” he stated.
The forum provided an opportunity for the administration to update residents on recent progress and future plans. It included a Q&A session with Mayor Melton, followed by an open forum where residents could interact with department heads and discuss specific concerns.
Chief of Staff Ellis Dumas addressed the estimated 150 attendees, acknowledging past criticisms about the absence of certain departments in previous meetings. “We were listening,” Dumas said. “This new format aims to create a more meaningful engagement, ensuring residents feel their participation is valuable.”
Representatives from various city departments were present, including Constituent Services, Communications, Police, Sanitary, Fire, Code Enforcement, Building and Zoning, Health, Gary Chicago International Airport, Community Health, Green Urbanization, and Human Resources. This comprehensive attendance was designed to facilitate direct feedback from citizens to all relevant city officials.
Director of Constituent Services Kianna Grant highlighted the administration’s new approach to community engagement. “We are transforming how we interact with our residents. By partnering with the community, we aim to ensure our actions align with their needs and concerns,” she said.
The past six months have seen significant initiatives from the Melton Administration, including:
* The return of Gary Schools to local control in July 2024
* The “Relight the City Program,” which aims to replace all streetlights by 2025
* Mayor Eddie Melton and Hard Rock Casino Announce $3 Million Donation to Revitalize Downtown Gary
* The demolition of over 30 blighted properties in the Aetna Neighborhood Stabilization Initiative
While acknowledging the progress, Mayor Melton stressed the importance of continued effort and transparency. “We are making strides, but there is still much to be done,” he concluded.
The forum’s success sets a new benchmark for civic engagement in Gary, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to addressing community concerns and fostering an inclusive dialogue for the city’s future.–News Desk