2 candidates confirm runs for Hammond City Council vacancy

HAMMOND | The pool of candidates vying for the vacant 2nd District seat on the Hammond City Council began to form Thursday.

Potential candidates for Hammond's 2nd District council seat weigh run

HAMMOND | The day after Al Salinas resigned from the Hammond City Council, one potential candidate confirmed he will run for the 2nd District in the 2015 primary, instead of the caucus slated for June.

Salinas pleads guilty to federal bribery charge, resigns from council seat

Disgraced Hammond City Councilman Al Salinas resigned from office Monday, just a few hours after pleading guilty to taking more than $10,000 in kickbacks for steering city work to a contractor.

Salinas plea may lead Hammond Council vacancy

HAMMOND | The Hammond City Council may soon have a vacancy as beleaguered Councilman Al Salinas agreed to plead guilty last week to two federal charges.

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Al Salinas

Hammond councilman agrees to plead guilty plea in federal court

HAMMOND | Hammond City Councilman Al Salinas reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors Thursday involving bribery and tax charges.

Salinas spent $77,511 on Dumpsters

Ricardo (Streetwise) Moreno's letter to the editor Tuesday should have said Hammond Councilman Al Salinas Jr. spent $77,511 in city casino money on Dumpsters in 2011.

EDITORIAL: Extend protection to other Hammond districts

Hammond has a history of spending its casino revenue well, putting it toward infrastructure improvements rather than committing it for operating costs. Some additional controls are in order, however.

Hammond council places controls on 2nd District gaming funds

HAMMOND | Indicted Hammond City Councilman Al Salinas will no longer oversee gaming dollars allocated for the district he represents following the City Council's vote Monday to place additional controls on the funds.

EDITORIAL: Shore up public's trust in local government

So many public corruption indictments have been handed down against public officials in Lake County over the years that voters run the danger of expecting local government officials to be corrupt. That should prompt action by good, decent, honest officials to shore up the public's trust.

Hammond budget proposal contains 1 percent raise for city employees

HAMMOND | A 2013 budget proposal received by the Hammond City Council on Friday provides funding for 1 percent raises for all city employees.

EDITORIAL: Amsted Rail deserves requested tax breaks to keep, create jobs in Hammond

As our region continues emerging from the throes of a stormy nationwide economic climate, our communities must do all they can to hold on to the business and industry they have and cultivate it as best they can.

MARK KIESLING: Being an official means never having to say you quit

I am kind of wondering what it takes to remove a public official from his or her position.

McDermott: Series of actions led to Salinas' termination

HAMMOND | Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said a series of actions over the years led to Councilman Al Salinas' termination from his city job.

Hammond Councilman Salinas terminated from city job

HAMMOND | City Councilman Al Salinas Jr. was terminated from his position with the Hammond Streets Department on Wednesday, Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said.

Hammond City Council holds off on request to transfer funds

HAMMOND | A request by City Councilman Al Salinas to transfer nearly $300,000 in funds is facing a pushback from fellow council members.

Hammond City Council eyes road, infrastructure projects

HAMMOND | The City Council will study taking out a $16 million loan to fund roads and infrastructure projects throughout the community.

Salinas seeks to keep District 2 seat

HAMMOND | A City Council Democrat is seeking a fifth term in the Nov. 8 general election.

Council defeats gun ordinance; city exposed to potential lawsuits

HAMMOND | The Hammond City Council defeated a proposal that would have changed the city gun and weapon ban to comply with a new state law.

Hammond council gun plan misfires

HAMMOND | The City Council has rejected a measure that would allow elected officials -- and only elected officials -- to carry guns inside Hammond City Hall.