"Should the U.S. military get involved in Syria?"

Joseph Flores, Munster | "You'd have to look at the advantages and disadvantages. We're too spread out right now with all the other issues. We need to work on homeland security and and terrorism in this country first."

"Should the U.S. military get involved in Syria?"

Aaron Bracey, Chicago | "No. We need to resolve our own issues here."

Should the U.S. military get involved in Syria?

Region views on U.S. involvement in Syria

"Should the U.S. military get involved in Syria?"

Lamont Garrett, Portage | "Yes. Our relationships with other foreign countries is good, and I think it would help stabilize their country."

"Should the U.S. military get involved in Syria?"

Kate Burns, Munster | "You have to be very careful about where we send our military. We're stretched out already, and we don't need to further stretch out our resources."

"Should the U.S. military get involved in Syria?"

Matt Jones, Portage | "No. We're in way too many foreign affairs already."

"Should the U.S. military get involved in Syria?"

Richard Surita, Hammond | "We should not. We have too many problems of our own. We should take care of our country first."

"What would an ideal mother be like?"

Region views on motherhood

"What would an ideal mother be like?"

Alexis Lietz, Gary | "Let me do what ever I want as long as it's appropriate. Dress myself the way I want."

"What would an ideal mother be like?"

Thomas Drake, Munster | "Rich and generous."

"What would an ideal mother be like?"

Raymond Blackman, Hammond | "A woman of faith who honestly believes in God. Someone who raises you in a Christian home and uses those beliefs."

"What would an ideal mother be like?"

Barbara Skurow, St. John | "The mother that does not want to be the best friend but has their best interests at heart."

"What would an ideal mother be like?"

LeeAnn Sack, Gary | "Someone to be there in hard times and help. Babysit their grandchildren and not abuse that."

"What would an ideal mother be like?"

Kaleena Hausenfleck, Hammond | "She's compassionate, kind, and she loves me unconditionally."

"What grade would you give the Indiana General Assembly this year?"

Tiffany Bare, Hammond, | "I think we're headed in the right direction. I'm a more conservative Republican, and this state reflects more of my stand."

"What grade would you give the Indiana General Assembly this year?"

Richard Wynter, Gary | "Indiana is mostly conservative, and the laws are too strict. The criminal punishment for small amounts of marijuana are too harsh and the sentences too long."

"What grade would you give the Indiana General Assembly this year?"

Zack Ackerman, Portage | "F. I have a brother who is gay, and I believe he has rights too. I'm against a constitutional amendment about marriage."

"What grade would you give the Indiana General Assembly this year?"

Denise Burns, Schererville | "B or C. There's a lot they're getting done, but there's a lot to do yet. I don't think they should be concetrating on the pollution thing because it really doesn't make a difference to our lives here."

What grade would you give the Indiana General Assembly this year?

Region views on Indiana politics

"What grade would you give the Indiana General Assembly this year?"

Doug Spencer, Cedar Lake, | "Probably a B. I think they're really trying, but they jammed a lot because there was so much to do. I'm concerned about the county income tax. It's not the best idea for our money."

"What grade would you give the Indiana General Assembly this year?"

Rachel Davidsen, Valpariso | "F. I'd like them to stop making all the ridiculous changes to the school system. Children need more practical education instead of worrying about test scores."

Are students in your school district receiving a quality education?

Region views on education

"Are students in your school district receiving a quality education?"

Marisa Luisa Garcia-Verdugo, Valparaiso | "Some are. The families help them, and it's important they participate in school and extracurricular actives. I think there are many children that don't have the overall support to achieve their potential."

"Are students in your school district receiving a quality education?"

Gina Glueckert, Dyer | "That's a tricky topic. Our school systems are failing our children miserably. Private schools are a better option, or even home schooling."

"Are students in your school district receiving a quality education?"

Yahya Kamalipour, Munster | "Of course, if you look at our students' successes and graduates in the region. They are employed in the region and nationally. Much interest has been placed on practical experience."

"Are students in your school district receiving a quality education?"

David Norris, Valparaiso | "I believe the school system does a pretty good job. All the opportunities were there if you went for it."

"Are students in your school district receiving a quality education?"

Matt Wenzel, Munster | "Yes. They receive more opportunity than I did in high school. They have more learning opportunities."

"Would you favor a land-based casino in Gary?"

Cassandra Ford, Crown Point | "Yes. I think it's more feasible than being on water. It would attract more people?"

"Would you favor a land-based casino in Gary?"

Joe Dissi, Bridgeview | "It would be a good idea, and it would generate revenue for the city."

"Would you favor a land-based casino in Gary?"

Jamelia Christopher, Gary | "It would bring jobs. I can see where there are pros and cons, though. It could bring special addictions, but it might bring in more people to Gary."

"Would you favor a land-based casino in Gary?"

Karen Zych, Lake Station, | "Yes, being that's what it is now. Those ships don't go out anymore. I don't see a difference from how they operate already."

"Would you favor a land-based casino in Gary?"

Dean M. Cox, Gary | "No. We have enough guns as it is. Casinos are people paying extra money in taxes. No matter how much money we pay in taxes the politicans look for more."

"Would you favor a land-based casino in Gary?"

Wendy Diaz, Hobart | "I guess so. I don't go to casinos often. It might bring a little prosperity to Gary."

"Are you concerned about North Korea's military threats?"

Frank Liddaewi, St. John | "Yes. They hate Americans and have been cornered. They see our presence in South Korea and it's pressing the North. They feel the need to respond."

"Are you concerned about North Korea's military threats?"

Region views on North Korea's talk of war

"Are you concerned about North Korea's military threats?"

Heather Whitmore, Highland | "Absolutely. Nobody wants nuclear war. Whether it affects us or not, it's a ripple effect that causes problems."

"Are you concerned about North Korea's military threats?"

Robert Garibay, Schererville | "Yes. They've got nuclear missiles. They need to work at keeping peace. Obama needs to go to North Korea and talk to their leader."

"Are you concerned about North Korea's military threats?"

Mark Sadek, Chicago Ridge | "Definitely yes. I'm a peaceful person and the last thing I want to see is war. I think the politicians need to have a clear plan on what they are going to do."

"Are you concerned about North Korea's military threats?"

Briana Jutte, Portage | "I'm slightly concerned, but I thing we would kick butt if anything happened. I'd go myself if I had to."

"Are you concerned about North Korea's military threats?"

Esra Heisey, Chesterton, | "No. I haven't seen anything come to fruition so I don't need to worry about it."

"Should same-sex marriage be legalized?"

Makeshia Dixon, Hammond | "Yes. Everybody is entilited to love who they want no matter who they are."

"Should same-sex marriage be legalized?"

Theresa Vogel, Griffith | "No. I think marriage should be between a man and a woman. If they want to get together, then that's fine."

"Should same-sex marriage be legalized?"

Jeff Wegner, Highland | "I don't feel strongly either way. It's their own right. I'd rather not have it in my face, though. If you're religious, then it's frowned upon. But if you are growing with society, then it's more like evolution and a growth with the rest of the world."