Newly-elected Valpo Democrats promise to bring more transparency to City Hall

VALPARAISO — With a blue wave coming to the Valparaiso City Council, the new elected officials already have some changes in mind.

Three newly-elected Democrats recently released a pledge to honor their campaign promise of increasing transparency in City Hall. Emilie Hunt and Ellen Kapitan, who were elected as at-large councilmembers, and Barbara Domer, who was elected as a Third District representative, laid-out the concrete actions they plan on taking.

Once they take office Jan. 1, the councilmembers say they will be available to residents via phone, email and social media; will help resident access city-related information and services; will hold regular town hall meetings and will facilitate interactions with city government departments when constituents need an advocate.

Valpo city council — Newly-elected Valparaiso City Councilmembers Emilie Hunt, D-at-large, left, Ellen Kapitan, D-at-large, center, and Barbara Domer, D-3, right. The three councilmembers have promised to make City Hall more transparent.
Provided

According to a news release, during their campaign the three candidates found that a large number of residents said they wanted a more open and responsive city government.

“We campaigned against a city government that has operated without transparency and without being held accountable to residents,” Kapitan said in the news release. “These simple actions will begin the process of restoring trust in how the council operates.”

While former Republican Mayor Jon Costas beat Democratic challenger Hannah Trueblood in the mayoral race, many of the other general election races went to the Democrats.

The current Valparaiso City Council consists of five Republicans and two Democrats. On Jan. 1, that makeup will flip.

Democratic incumbent representative Diana Reed beat Republican Lori Simon in the First District race, Democratic incumbent Robert Cotton beat Republican Matty Whaling in the Second District race, Domer beat incumbent Republican at-large representative Harry Peterson in the Third District race, incumbent Republican Jack Pupillo beat Democrat Lance Raphael in the Fourth District race and incumbent Republican Peter Anderson beat Democrat Carmen Collins in the Fifth District race. Four candidates competed for two seats in the at-large City Council race. Hunt and Kapitan beat Republicans Michelle Harris and outgoing Mayor Matt Murphy.

“Our campaign message of government accountability clearly resonated with voters," Hunt said. “It’s our duty to be responsive to our constituents, and these are some first steps towards that end.”