GARY | Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, spoke with residents by phone Thursday about three bills they say will affect residents.
The chat was the first of a weekly call during which residents can talk directly to officials about legislation. Most of the call focused on Senate Bill 585, which raised concerns because it proposed giving the governor more power in appointing members to the Gary Airport Authority Board.
Rogers said the language was changed this week to continue giving the mayor most of the power in appointing members.
Most of the callers said they were glad to see the change in wording. One caller said the originally language gave her the impression the state was "knocking" the city.
Freeman-Wilson also said House Bill 1585 concerned her because it would pave the way for Griffith to leave Calumet Township.
"We believe that that is a bad policy," she said.
If legislation passes and Griffith residents vote to leave the township, Freeman-Wilson said, it would place extra burden on Gary.
Rogers said residents should closely watch this bill and express their opinion.
"Hopefully we can get some changes in the House," she said. "This is one in which we all need to come together."
Freeman-Wilson also disapproves of House Bill 1313, which would prohibit cities from regulating rental units.
The calls are scheduled for 5 p.m. every Thursday until April 25.
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