Money for new Boys and Girls Club sparks debate

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BY CHAS REILLY
creilly@nwitimes.com
219.662.5324 | Thursday, July 10, 2008 | (82 comment(s))

MERRILLVILLE | A Boys and Girls Club in Merrillville could provide many benefits to the town, but some town officials remain hesitant to financially support such a project with issues such as funding for police officer raises still unresolved.

Council members and other town officials met in a Parks and Recreation Committee meeting Tuesday to discuss what direction the town is willing to take regarding the proposed club.

"We can do it," said Councilman Lance Huish, who also serves as the chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee and as a Merrillville police officer. "We just have to decide if we want to."

By the end of the meeting, committee members were only willing to allow the town to begin investigating land acquisition for the club.

Town Councilman Shawn Pettit said agreeing to construct the facility -- at a cost of millions of dollars -- could upset police who have been fighting for a pay increase to keep officers from the leaving Merrillville for other higher paying jobs.

Merrillville Police Chief Joseph Petruch began seeking higher wages for officers late last year, but the town hasn't been able to find the money.

Huish, who also serves as the Merrillville police operations commander, said the Boys and Girls Club structure would be funded through a bond, which the town would not be able to use to increase employee salaries.

He also believes police would understand if the town decided to move forward with the Boys and Girls Club project because it would help keep Merrillville children and teens out of trouble, meaning fewer police calls for service.

Boys and Girls Club President and CEO Lincoln Ellis said the proposed facility would be the only one of its kind in Northwest Indiana by providing programs for all children -- infants to high school seniors.

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FOBfriends of bob wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:45 AM:

" It is a state pension and you do not have to stay in the same municipality to receive it. Going elswhere is what all officers in the patrol division are investigating. I would not be surprised that Merrillville will be down to thirty some officers by years end. "

to bob wrote on Jul 19, 2008 6:31 PM:

" Sometimes you have to put in your last few years to recieve your pension. "

Huishs Mustache wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:16 AM:

" I have to admit it's nice being my own boss. My fellow officers are not of my concern right now and I am satisifed with being a stepping stone style department. If the nearly 30 officers gone in 3 years dosen't show it I don't know what will. This club will not only bring a safe place for the kids to go but get me some recognition and votes. If you want to remain at this department and have financial stabilty go and work and extra 40 hrs a week in side jobs. I'm sure your families won't miss you. "

Taxed resident wrote on Jul 17, 2008 10:29 AM:

" To Citizen: Yea you are somewhat right that these posts have gotten off topic, a little. But what you need to do is read between the lines.
Police officers deserve a better pay.
The town needs a full time fire department with equal pay. The money that would be needed to fund (staffing and all misc expenses) could be used for the above. The kids had somewhere to hang out and they closed the basketball courts because they (kids) were OUT OF CONTROL. "

Thanks wrote on Jul 17, 2008 6:49 AM:

" It is a high honor to be called "moron" by the likes of you. Maybe you should spend more time patrolling than finding hot spots to spread this "how rough it is to be a cop, so everyone should feel sorry for me" rhetoric. Rhen maybe you wouldn't have as much crime in MVille.

If I am going to feel sorry for anyone, it will be the soldiers in the war zones who put their lives on the line for much less than you crybabies. Get over yourselves and get back to work, losers. "

Time to Move Along wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:34 AM:

" MPD sounds just like another low-paying starter department. Instead of complaining for something that isn't going to happen just start testing to get out like the rest of us who started in crappy departments. Change takes energy - quit feeling comfortable in a place where there is no future. "

MPD Officer wrote on Jul 16, 2008 8:58 PM:

" I see all the morons are out making comments such as "If you don't like your pay, quit and find a better job. Otherwise shut it and get back to work" Yes, I'll say it again, you are a moron". "

Citizen wrote on Jul 16, 2008 8:35 PM:

" Since when did the subject of this article change? Aren't we all concerned with what happens with our youth? Do you have children? Where can they go that is proactive in their life? A boys and girls club would be greatly beneficial for our children. "

To All MPD Officers wrote on Jul 16, 2008 12:09 PM:

" You are beginning to sound like your stepbrothers and sisters to the North(Gary). If you don't like your pay, quit and find a better job. Otherwise shut it and get back to work.

If Mville (South Gary) is that broke, my only suggestion to the politicians is to either become a city or dissolve and let other municipalities assume you. "

To Mr. Obvious wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:42 AM:

" Over the last 4 years The Town of Merrillville has had to deal with the property tax re-assessments, late Tax draws and next is the circuit breaker.

The Police Department will never be the something else because the Town has no control of how much State funding it receives since the ability to raise taxes was frozen 1973. "

Taxed resident wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:26 AM:

" What happens if the more officers leave the town (which was mentioned earlier)? Yea, I know some more will be hired. But doesn't it take time to train them? And if officers do leave and the staffing is low, doesn't it put the officers and residents at a risk? I guess I could go the Boys and Girls club for help. Yea right!!! "

Jib Jab wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:13 AM:

" The town of Merrillville Council is the second highest paid in the state that includes cities or towns and their dispatchers got their raise in a deal with the former chief not to go union. They have to be the highest paid. Public Works employees only make pennies more. The council has added a town manager and he needed an asssistant. Then they hire people to do studies at over $100K. If the town council could cut back and not fill these positions then you have your money to keep your disgruntled employees. "

Mr. Obvious wrote on Jul 16, 2008 7:27 AM:

" Everyone keeps refering to the 1% tax. How about the last four years? I realize that most americans can only see as far as their own personal interests are concerned, but this is not just a debate about this year or last year. The 1% tax is RECENT. We have sat in the back row, raised our hands like good little boys and girls should for long enough. Next year it will be something else. There will always be SOMETHING ELSE. When does the Police Department get the chance to become the something else?? "

Dirty Pirate wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:44 PM:

" Hey "Ignorant"... Is it responsible Town leadership when a town council in an obviously failing town like Merrillville has one of the highest paid bodies of local government in the state? Just wondering... "

Ignorant wrote on Jul 15, 2008 4:09 PM:

" Are you all ignorant! The Town is locked in at last years budget because of the 1% county tax situation. This is not news. How can responsible Town leadership let the Chief take funds from his budget to fund the salary increase and reduce the size of the department from 54 to 51? This is foolish since the Police are so short handed anyway. This is why some of you ignorant officers will never see the big picture. You are like little children crying to mommy and daddy for a larger allowance right after your daddy got laid off. DUMB!! "

mikey mike wrote on Jul 15, 2008 2:26 PM:

" WHY NOT HAVE THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB FROM EAST CHCIAGO & OTHER SURROUNDING AREAS FUND THIS SO CALLED PROJECT & GIVE OUR MERRILLVILLE POLICE OFFIERS WHO ARE NOT ON OTHER COMMUNITES THEIR VERY WELL & DESERVED PAY RAISES SINCE THEY ARE ALSO PROTECTING OUR TOWN!! GOOD LUCK B&G CLUBS!! "

Taxed resident wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:41 AM:

" To the "retired officer":
Maybe you should speak up for the "crybabies". You know how it is and was. I can only imagine that if the officers say something they will get punished somehow. Don't you get a raise if the rest of the PD gets one? Maybe you are on the side of Huish and the rest of the council who don’t want to pay the officers what they deserve. "

citizen wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:07 AM:

" I would have to agree with "resident". Are the councilmen afraid of being biased for spending monies on public safety since two are volunteer firemen, one a retired Hammond firefighter, and one a policeman? "

Tired of the crap wrote on Jul 15, 2008 10:03 AM:

" It just keeps getting better.

Our communities, taxpayers and police have become low priority. Every asset Merrillville had or has is being sold to the highest bidder.

It won't stop. Time to clean house. "

MPD Officer wrote on Jul 15, 2008 10:02 AM:

" Retired Officer. Yes we will speak up and complain till we are heard. Evidently you and your generation never spoke up so now we get the short end of the stick. And where do you get the guts to call me a coward? Because I am expressing my concern? I'd really like to know who you are so I can tell everybody about your "20 years of service". "

retired officer wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:28 AM:

" MPD Officer's quote "It's our future we are looking out for and unless we speak up nothing will be done. Till you walk a day in our shoes.... Put a sock in it and keep your comments to yourself"

Well I have walked 20 years in your shoes and I will never understand this new generation of babies. You think because you speak up and complain that you will receive a pay increase. WAKE UP! GROW UP!

You are a coward hiding behind these comments. "

resident wrote on Jul 15, 2008 7:44 AM:

" I am not looking forward to be paying back a million dollars as a taxpayer. Not for a club. I would like to see funds of this size used for public safety. Fire trucks, police cars and equipment for both. The last thing I would put my money towards is a boys and girls club which already runs out of Merrillville Intremediate School. "

Marsha wrote on Jul 15, 2008 6:46 AM:

" There are plenty of schools setting empty after 3p daily. Why can't these facilities be used to house kid clubs? What about all the empty churches. Parents should take more actvie roles in helping to raise funds and to become more involved in their kids care. This may be a good plan until economic times are better. We pay for schools already, why should we be doubled taxed? Carefully planning is needed at this time. "

MPD Officer wrote on Jul 15, 2008 1:01 AM:

" To embarrassed resident. People like you are part of the problem. No we shouldn't be embarrassed or ashamed. It's our future we are looking out for and unless we speak up nothing will be done. Till you walk a day in our shoes.... Put a sock in it and keep your comments to yourself! "

embarrassed resident wrote on Jul 14, 2008 9:37 PM:

" Policemen who make negative comments on this post should be embarrassed and ashamed. You are no better than the councilman you criticize. You are acting like the Town is actually making a choice between the boys and girls club and pay raises. There is no additional money for either. There are only 2 councilmen that want to partner with the boys and girls club. This is not a majority, so relax.

It is not good management to reduce the size of the police department to provide raises for current employees. The police department is already understaffed, just hire until you reach 54 and hope the County decides to implement the 1% county tax that will increase the funds to the Town of Merrillville.

I agree the police are underpaid and overworked. Act like professionals and not little children with you comments. "

chief bravos wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:38 PM:

" in response to the e-mail that stated no more tickets and no arrests... talk to the young cops on the pd who are scared to reprimanded and who write 30-40 tickets a month. Do you think you are gonna get rewarded? Wake up and smell the coffee, kids!! Do you think you are helping your men out? Do you care? "

bob wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:34 PM:

" when was the last time anyone on the police dept did anything in protest to the lack of raises or cut in manpower? Do these veterans (sergeants and corporals) have any courage to stand up to the administration and demand better working conditions? Who works a 6 days on and 2 days off schedule? it won't get better until you put your foot down! By the way I know three officers on the dept. who will be leaving the PD this year or next with other departments...my best wishes, at least you want better for yourself! "

sick of waiting wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:27 PM:

" nothing will happen until these young officers on merrillville pd stand and voice their opinion and stop being"scared" of consequences ...do you think you are going to retire from MPD?!
You're not!!! have some respect for yourself and voice your opinion, don't just sit and take it, and by the way where is the FOP?! Do you care? get off your butt and protest! "

It is not hard to see the writing on the wall wrote on Jul 14, 2008 11:12 AM:

" There are three main people that run the town of Merrillville now. Huish, Guersney and Petruch. They have been a threesome for 20 plus years now. If you want real change, it starts on voting day. Until you get rid of the powers to be there will be no change. aThe stuff going on now has been going on since the days they first took office. It will not stop till you vote for it and only then when a majority is in place to make the change. Question is, are the residents in Merrillville as smart as the ones in Schererville? "

mpd wrote on Jul 14, 2008 10:54 AM:

" Lance, if you don't get the picture let me explain it to you, " We do not like you nnd you should retire now." Make your department proud. "

Production Boycott wrote on Jul 14, 2008 10:04 AM:

" Production Boycott
I agree. I am replacing my ticket book with a warning book. If making a reasonable request gets met with absolutely nothing, maybe making a passive aggressive request will get the town’s attention. WARNINGS FOR EVERYONE! "

Just an Observation wrote on Jul 14, 2008 9:30 AM:

" The problem: LEADERSHIP

When the community that votes is informed enough to vote in a town council that actually has the town's interests as their primary goal, then and only then will we move in the right direction. Every council meeting that I have been to is a joke. Those guys just love to hear themselves talk… but they say nothing. Good ole boy politics in action.

Lamar wants new signs… how convenient that Petit is on the council. Hardaway is so full of hot air it is hard to tell how heavy the anchor is that weights him to the chair. Huish? Gimme a break. I pray that not a single one of you runs unopposed during the next election.

As far as the PD goes… until we have a Chief is not at the beck and call of that council or the police commission, then nothing will change.New officers will come and go in search of better departments, and the powers that be will have their little puppets in place to pull the strings whenever they choose. "

NO MORE wrote on Jul 14, 2008 9:11 AM:

" CALLING ALL OFFICERS: STOP WRITING TICKETS AND MAKING ARRESTS. TAKE A STAND NOW!!! "

done wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:20 AM:

" dont forget the retired police officer that is the clerk treasurer and can't find money for raises. of course why should he care he has a pension and a high paying position. "

mpd copper neighbor wrote on Jul 13, 2008 7:17 AM:

" As a resident of m'ville, I've had the good fortune to become friends with several mpd officers. I've lived here through several incarnations of the town council. Been here long enough to watch councils say that the previous councils ignored the police dept, so it must be OK.
While the ENTIRETY of the blame (for officers leaving and no pay raises since 2004)rests not on this council, they bear the responsibility of their actions (or inactions). Financially these fficers have been bamboozled, lied to, and ignored by members of this and previous councils.
I hold a professional position and have had the luxury of a salary that rises with the times. I don't purport to know what these seven are thinking.
No raises in four years, no medical benefits after retirement, and insurance costs that have at least doubled in the past few years. When the costs rise and salaries stagnate...you are making less.
As a voter, I thought that a police officer on the board would help the police finally be paid what they are worth. No such luck "

MPD supporter wrote on Jul 12, 2008 10:16 PM:

" Remember Huish "What goes around comes around" "

here we go again wrote on Jul 12, 2008 1:25 PM:

" the population is up in merrillville, police officers down? I don't understand what? the town council asked the cheif not to fill 3 positions so they can have raises what? the town council better wake up. i hope this is only one town councilman in this plan of action. we as citizens don't want to see any more police officers leave.the town has no money for this boys and girls club. priority priority essentail,nonessential when you think about it the answer is easy police or boys and girls club. "

To I Hope wrote on Jul 12, 2008 1:47 AM:

" The Chief is saying privately that he wishes he could put Huish back on the street but he can't... Lance has the power through the Town Council to appoint the police commissioners who control the police chief! D.L. Huish must go!!! "

Fact Finder wrote on Jul 12, 2008 1:44 AM:

" LANCE HUISH is the number one reason why the Merrillville Police Department has had such a high turnover rate for the last few years! "

Sharp Dressed Man wrote on Jul 12, 2008 1:35 AM:

" For Pete Schweatty's sake, Lance... step down already. You are more despised than Markle or Demmon ever could have been! "

Shrek wrote on Jul 12, 2008 1:33 AM:

" Lance, the fat lady is singing... "

Surprised wrote on Jul 11, 2008 10:52 PM:

" I don't know why anybody here is surprised by the actions of Lance Huish. What I find confusing is why he is allowed to run rampant. Their are 7 COUNCILMEN, not just Lance and Hardaway. Only 4 of the 7 need to stand-up and put Lance in his place. This includes his removal as an operations commander given the fact he serves no purpose. Shudick, Tom G, Pettit, Widing or Andy...WHERE ARE YOU? The actions of Lance and Hardaway will reflect poorly on ALL of you next time around! "

mpd up wrote on Jul 11, 2008 2:48 PM:

" I'll admit that several of these entries come from mpd officers. I'll even say that i'm the author of a good number of these pointed jabs. The reason this news article brought out such rage from the officers is that we have no other recourse.
We've been thrawted for several years on raises, benefits, and retirement insurance. We stood by, watching other departments pass us by thousandsof dollars. Yet we have remained vigilant to the town of Merrillville and to our duties, but, for what? Duty, honor, and service are the code we operate under. We burn the fat off our souls to light even the darkest hours.
However, when our civic leaders mock us by their actions, even when they've promised the moon, where do we turn? The town has the ability to procure and pay for a $1,000,000 club. As a dedicated member of this police department, I DARE YOU to fund this insult and not give the police department a raise that we can be proud of. $3000 doesn't cut the mustard anymore, especially since we sacrificed three positions to afford it. "

cop wrote on Jul 11, 2008 2:30 PM:

" to I hope. the chief can't ask Huish to step down. If he does he will be replaced just like all the other chiefs by the council. "

he never left wrote on Jul 11, 2008 1:36 PM:

" I guess somebody had to take Uzalac's vision on the council. Go Huish Go. BRING BACK THE RINK. Oh, that’s right the town is being sued for that one. Wasn't that a place for kids to go. "

Mister Mustache wrote on Jul 11, 2008 1:34 PM:

" You will reap what you sow. "

I hope wrote on Jul 11, 2008 1:32 PM:

" I hope that the Chief sees what Huish has done and asks him to step down as one of his administrators. I don't understand why the chief would keep him in his position based off of the comments made, I would guess by the police officers. The morale looks to be at an ALL TIME LOW. I hope that the council reads this and realizes that the comments made will only put the town in jeopardy. "

Concerned about people wrote on Jul 11, 2008 1:09 PM:

" Huish is concerned about children with a place to go why doesn't he start a program where kids work and learn to be responsible, that really works not by bribing them with a boys and girls club. "

BEWARE OF THE WICKED wrote on Jul 11, 2008 12:53 PM:

" Remember who we really work for!!
Weve done our jobs to keep this town as safe as possible. They have no idea what we do or how much we go through. Furthermore I dont believe they really care or want to make an effort to do what is right. Im honored to work among the men and women of this department. I know the Chief is on our side but he isnt really in control of what happens to our raise or budget. Gentlemen of the Town Council, "You will answer for you actions or lack of actions to either your voters, officers or one day who we really work for. "

Anti fifty four wrote on Jul 11, 2008 11:56 AM:

" The FOP should vote him out of the lodge like County did to Roy. He is not doing anything good for the oder of the lodge. "

Hush puppy wrote on Jul 11, 2008 11:48 AM:

" Huish may want to never speak for the officers again. Look at their comments. He may want to look for a new job. Out of touch since he has not been on the streets. You should always put your men before self. Never your political favors before your men. "

BO-HE-CA wrote on Jul 11, 2008 11:34 AM:

" Councilman Pettit; I appreciate you once again being the voice of reason, as do the rest of the officers. Our intentions are not to make enemys with members of the council. We have no representation (Huish) and are very frustrated. "

Us wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:21 AM:

" Huish. We are asking for your resignation. "

mpd tin man wrote on Jul 11, 2008 6:08 AM:

" You can only hope that the idiots on the town council are literate enough to not only read the words that are printed here, but are intelligent enough to read between the lines. If the town is willing to spend millions on this project the $3000 that we had to pay from our own budget to fund our own raise is not going to be enough. Maybe we need to ask for $10,000. That would put us even with Schererville, Munster, and Indy. By the way, Merrillville passed East Chicago in calls for service this year. We have 51 officers they have 114. Maybe next year we can pass Hammond and Gary in calls too. "

Anti wrote on Jul 11, 2008 4:58 AM:

" We need to remove the devil from his post. Time to for Huish and the other six donkeys to go. Brovas will look like an angle after Huish and his crew run this department into the ground "

Adam FIFTYFOUR wrote on Jul 11, 2008 4:20 AM:

" Officers on this department will do as they are told!!! "

d wrote on Jul 10, 2008 8:33 PM:

" the police department needs to get together and decide that they are not going to settle for no raise and a bad schedule and force the hand of the council....you don't have to strike. Just stop the town's revenue-no tickets, no arrests. "

MPD Guy wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:27 PM:

" I smell blue flu a coming. "

Adam wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:25 PM:

" I am god and do as I please!!! "

taxed off wrote on Jul 10, 2008 5:12 PM:

" How does Huish plan on paying for the utilities to run the club when the town doesn't have enought to pay its bills now. He wants to bond the money to build the club,what about the storm water bills that will be coming out who's going to pay them ? "

OVERTIME wrote on Jul 10, 2008 4:48 PM:

" WHAT ABOUT ALL THE OTHER TOWN EMPLOYEES GETTING RAISES, WE WOULD BE HAPPY WITH A THOUSAND, BUT I GUESS ITS ALL ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW. AT LEAST THE POLICEMAN ARE GETTING ALOT OF OVERTIME. "

will hire wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:13 PM:

" you are right Huish, the bond can not be used for salaries of employees. But who is going to pay for the people you and Hardaway hire to run the club? "

fed up wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:05 PM:

" your right Huish the bond can not be used to fund salaries for the Town employees. So tell me who is going to fund the salaries for all the new employees who you and Hardaway will hire to run the club? Hope they can police their own club "

BROTHERHOOD wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:54 PM:

" What ever happened to the police brotherhood. Huish I guess you still think your a cop. WRONG "

It never ends wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:30 PM:

" The Police Department has continually been told by the Town Council that the town is broke and there is no money for raises. The Police Department raises were going to come from within its own budget because they are working short handed. These raises would not affect any other department budget or project. Huish now states the town can take out a loan for million(s) of dollars to build a Boys and Girls Club. Where is the money going to come from to pay back this loan? I'm sure Huish's comments on this project should be another real morale booster for the department. "

mpd fop member wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:05 PM:

" The state says we are not allowed to strike...it says nothing about coming to work and not working, does it? "

mpd veteran wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:04 PM:

" I've not been here since the birth of the town, but, I've been here a long time. No one becomes a cop to make a million (unless he's running for sheriff). We now have officers that qualify for school lunch assistance. There's nothing with getting help when you need it, but can't we do better for our law enforcement professionals? "

mpd tin man wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:00 PM:

" An open letter to the Merrillville town council. We weep for you and the fact that you haven't given yourselves a raise in four years. We're sure that it's hard to make $18,000 per year for what amounts to about fifty meetings a year.
We can't help but feel the agony you must bear everyday knowing that you are the second highest paid council IN THE STATE while your officers pay ranks 16th out of the 20 police departments in NWI.
However, when we are told that we can quit if we don't like it and that there 10 guys willing to take our place...you have outdone yourselves. "

mpd ofc wrote on Jul 10, 2008 1:52 PM:

" maybe the police would support the club building if we saw something that resembled good faith actions by the council. we're tired of being poked in the eye with a stick and then told it's for own good. "

fed up wrote on Jul 10, 2008 1:49 PM:

" So Merrillville elects a Hatcher team guy and expects to come to a different end? The Hatcher guy and his parks director have over spent our inheritance. Now the police department is paying for the sins of fiscal irresponsibility committed by the town council. This is the same council that stands in line th smooch the behind of the Hatcher guy so he can get them the votes they need for re-election. "

fop wrote on Jul 10, 2008 1:45 PM:

" Thought you'd like to know that Merrillville already has a boys and girls club...it operates from Merrillville Intermediate School. Don't be hoodwinked. This council has already found money for their pet projects (re-election tools) but can't afford to make the hard decisions and support public safety. "

fop member wrote on Jul 10, 2008 1:43 PM:

" Maybe my thinking is all wrong. I might be the one who doesn't get it, but if the town has to pay the $1 million loan (for the new club) back where do they think the money will come from? That's right, general funds. Where does all the money for salaries come from? Right again boy wonder, general funds. "

fop member again wrote on Jul 10, 2008 1:40 PM:

" We were sold a bill of goods by the town council. We had to cut money from our own budget to fund our own raise, or we weren't getting one. Our brass agreed to cut three officers from the budget (we were already 10 short). What have we seen since then? Smoke and mirrors that would make Doug Henning jealous! We supported this council when they begged us at our fop meeting. We publicly came out for them and the change that they promised. What have we received for it? Fool us once... "

fop member wrote on Jul 10, 2008 1:35 PM:

" let me spell this out for all involved. now that the police know that the town is willing to spend a million for a NEW club, do you think we will be happy with the measley $3000 that we were offered if we cut our budget by 10%. (That deal cost us three officers from the street mind you). Here's a note for the town court. Hope you've been saving your pennies from all the tickets we've been writing...I have a feeling that the tickets are going to dry up ;) "

BO-HE-CA wrote on Jul 10, 2008 1:34 PM:

" Hey, "overtaxed payer". Will you be in Monday? I'd like to take a vacation day. "

There are all going to leave wrote on Jul 10, 2008 12:35 PM:

" The comment made on that the police would be happy for this Club is only coming from one officer (Huish). Second, yea the calls that the police answer for kid problems may go down, but the calls to the Club would go up (Remember the teen dance club and the rink). You would think that the Council would give the police a raise (which is well deserved) before they all leave for better paying jobs. "

OverTaxed Payer wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:57 AM:

" "Wet Hen", you are partially correct. Learn more.
"Priorities", the latest yearly report released by mpd showed increased calls, but an overall drop in crime (except homicides). Is your department hiding something?
I agree that mpd is under paid and understaffed. I can read and see these things for myself. However, is this Huish the only person amongst everyone who has an attitude that it can be done? "

Same stuff different day wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:54 AM:

" Maybe the residents of this town will do what the residents in Schererville did and that is put the Republicans in power and this crap stops. The dems have been running the town for so long now and where has it gone, no where but down. Look at the 3 henchmen that control it, hmm need help it cant be that hard. You vote in people you get what you deserve. Nothing will change until you change your vote. "

Priorities wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:42 AM:

" The police officers in this town are tired of working 30 officers short and being one of the lowest paid in the area. You would think the number of homicides that have occurred in Merrillville the last year would suggest to the Town Council that public safety should be a priorty. Intead, the police department continues to get ignored as the crime rate rises. "

Benedict Arnold wrote on Jul 10, 2008 6:51 AM:

" I really like the second to the last paragraph. Huish believes that the police would understand. The police might understand if they made an additional $16,000 like you do for sitting on the town council. "We can do it"? You can do everything but find money for the police officers protecting this town. Great job. How about you Weems and Hardaway police the town. "

Philipino Boy wrote on Jul 10, 2008 5:53 AM:

" Hey Gino will you open up a club for us too? "

Wet Hen wrote on Jul 10, 2008 5:33 AM:

" If I remember right, the Boys and Girls Club is a nonprofit and as such should get the fund through donations, not the tax payers. "

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