Should I care about Gary? After all, I live in Munster and work in Schererville. Most of my volunteer activities are with organizations based in Hammond or Merrillville. So, why does Gary matter to me? Well, let's count the ways.
Jobs: Some of our largest employers -- like U.S. Steel -- are located in Gary, but there are also many smaller work sites. In fact, within the Gary city limits, there were, by the latest pre-recession count, more than 30,000 jobs. I bet you know someone who works in Gary. There is also the potential for additional employment opportunities. The Gary-Chicago airport is widely regarded as one of our most important economic development opportunities.
Recreation: The RailCats (baseball) and Steelheads (basketball) are the only professional teams in Northwest Indiana. Both claim Gary as their home. Then there is the lake. About 30 percent of all of Indiana's Lake Michigan frontage is in Gary. Yes, industry still occupies large parts of that land, but there are also beautiful beaches and sand dunes. Future enhancements can make Gary's lakefront some of the most interesting and valuable property in Northwest Indiana.
Education: Gary is home to Indiana University Northwest and a large Ivy Tech Community College campus. Gary hosts more charter schools than any other community in our area. However, despite the city's history of educational innovation, the public schools of today need improvement. Gary's students and dedicated teachers deserve inspired leadership. Now is the time for the community to insist that this happen.
Faith community: Gary has many churches with very active congregations. Wouldn't it be wonderful if people of faith from throughout Northwest Indiana could find a way to interact with each other -- working on community projects, holding joint services, engaging in grassroots interaction? If we knew each other as individuals, we would be better able to understand and appreciate each other.
People: About 96,000 people live in Gary -- more by far than any other community in Lake or Porter County. They are hard-working, family people with a rich heritage. Of course, there is too much crime, but criminals are mobile. They prey on people both inside and outside of the city. In that sense, they are "equal opportunity" criminals. If we all work together to fight crime, the result will be positive for everyone.
If we wish Northwest Indiana to reach its full potential, all of us -- black, brown and white, north county and south county -- need to be involved with Gary. Northwest Indiana will thrive only if we are together. It's time to start living like we understand that.
