Residency of Porter County tourism board appointee under review

VALPARAISO | Porter County Commissioner John Evans said he planned to re-evaluate Richard Riley's appointment to the county tourism board after questions were raised about Riley's residency.

The members of the Indiana Dunes Tourism Board of Directors are required to reside in Porter County, yet Riley said Tuesday he is registered to vote in Illinois and has a driver's license from that state as well.

He also has a home in Orland Park but said he spends more of his time these days at a home that is part of his Riley's Railhouse bed and breakfast in Chesterton.

Evans said Tuesday he was not aware of the residency question. But he said it was his understanding Riley spends most of his time in Chesterton where he has done a great job with the bed and breakfast.

"He would be an excellent appointment to that board," Evans said.

The county commissioners named Riley to the tourism board early this year.

Indiana Dunes Tourism Executive Director Lorelei Weimer, who also spoke highly of Riley's appointment, said she intended to leave the residency issue up to the attorneys.

Tourism board attorney David Hollenbeck said the county residency requirement is part of state law, not the county ordinance establishing the nine-member tourism board.

The local ordinance created the additional requirements that the Valparaiso mayoral appointment live in Center Township and Portage mayoral appointments live in Portage Township.

Board members also are appointed by the Porter County Council; Burns Harbor, Chesterton and Porter; and Hebron and Kouts.