Republican voters in Crown Point have two choices in the mayoral race this spring -- Center Township Trustee Eldon Strong or Paul Keller, who has owned a tile business for 30 years.
Strong has been around government a long time. He told The Times Editorial Board that rather than hire so many consultants, he would rather trust community leaders to offer guidance.
"I think we could do it over a cup of coffee and maybe a bagel," he said.
There's something to be said for that -- as long as the right community leaders, with the right expertise, are tapped for the job.
Keller offers a fresh perspective, however. He seems eager to make changes to improve Crown Point.
One of his more impressive ideas is to give downtown Crown Point more of an arts and crafts feel, much like Nashville, Ind. He sees the wisdom of encouraging the development of a bed and breakfast a block or so off the courthouse square and the encouragement of galleries, unique shops and related businesses within walking distance downtown.
That might provide the impetus to move the John Dillinger Museum and exhibits to downtown Crown Point, where Dillinger made history with his infamous jail escape, while freeing up exhibit space in the Indiana Welcome Center.
Keller criticized the St. Patrick's Day Parade created by Mayor Dave Uran, a Democrat, who is unopposed in the primary. The event shouldn't be held at night, when drunkenness can be a problem, Keller said. He would prefer to hold it earlier in the day so it can be family-friendly.
Strong is stressing safety, streets, sewers and services, but there's more to being the city's CEO than administering its basic needs. Keller offers a vision that would serve Crown Point well.
We endorse Keller for the Republican nomination for mayor of Crown Point.
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