Merrillville honors outgoing elected officials
As Dec. 31 approaches, it doesn’t only mark the end of the year, it also culminates the tenure of four elected officials in Merrillville.
Clerk-Treasurer Kelly White Gibson, Councilman Leonard White, Councilman Jeff Minchuk, and Councilman Richard Hardaway are concluding their terms, and each of them were honored during the Tuesday, Dec. 26, Town Council meeting.
In addition to sharing highlights of their careers in office, each of the departing elected officials received lamps featuring the Town seal. Interim Town Manager Michael Griffin said the lamps symbolize the “constellations of servants.”
Because of his 20 years of service, Hardaway received a chair, which also has the Town seal on it. Griffin said the chair recognizes the durability and service of 20 years. The gift also is meant to evoke three ideas -- “Councilor Hardaway the friend, Councilor Hardaway the leader, and Councilor Hardaway the exemplar,” Griffin said.
Griffin said White Gibson had many contributions to the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office and the Town during her four years of dedicated service.
He said the global pandemic in 2020 resulted in unprecedented challenges, but White Gibson’s commitment to her office kept the community resilient.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, White Gibson ensured smooth operations of the Town’s treasury.
Throughout her time as clerk-treasurer, she has shown an unwavering commitment to Merrillville residents.
“Thank you for your exceptional service, leadership, and the positive impact you had on Merrillville,” Griffin said.
White Gibson said it’s not easy serving as an elected official, and criticism is a regular part of the job. She said the work can sometimes lead to officials becoming passionate because they want to do well for others.
“It’s a service that you’re doing for other people, and so you have to have a servant’s heart,” she said. White Gibson encouraged residents to get involved in the community and attend Town meetings so they can be aware of the issues in Merrillville.
“This is our Town,” she said. “I think it’s really important that we know the issues and that good people come who want to run and to be interested.”
Councilor Leonard White served in a different capacity, but he also had a significant impact on the community.
Council President Rick Bella said White has shown a strong dedication to the 7th Ward during his four years of service on the Town Council
During his tenure, White represented the Town on the Lake County Solid Waste Management District Board.
“Ensuring our environmental concerns were addressed responsibly and sustainably,” Bella said. White also was actively involved on several committees and commissions, including the Redevelopment Commission, and he played a critical role in shaping the upward trajectory of Merrillville.
“His service was marked by dedication, passion, and a genuine commitment to community betterment,” Bella said.
White said it’s “been an absolute pleasure” working with the council. He said he learned a lot during his tenure.
“I’ve had a great time here,” he said.
White said he’s enjoyed watching many different initiatives come to fruition in Merrillville.
“It’s been an awesome experience, and I want to thank you,” he said to the community.
Bella said Councilor Minchuk’s time on the council started about eight years ago, when he was selected to fulfill the remainder of former Councilwoman Carol Miano’s unexpired term.
“In the years that followed, he proved to be an invaluable asset, contributing significantly to the design and development of the Dean and Barbara White Community Center, along with numerous other pivotal Town projects,” Bella said.
Minchuk’s service has extended beyond Merrillville’s boundaries with more than two decades with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.
“His tireless efforts have not only enhanced the safety and security of our community but have also contributed to the overall well-being of the region,” Bella said.
Minchuk said he won’t soon forget about his time on the council.
“I dedicated my whole life to this Town,” he said.
Minchuk also told the community that the senior elected officials aren’t the backbone of the Town. “The people that are working on the streets every day, they’re the backbone of this Town, and they’re the people who we need to support,” Minchuk said.
Councilman Shawn Pettit said Councilor Hardaway and former Councilman Terrell Taylor were the first African American members of the Town Council after they were elected to the panel in 2003.
“History was made back then,” Pettit said. “This man has worked tirelessly.”
Pettit said Hardaway has been in office for nearly 500 regular Town Council meetings, and he’s also served on the Town’s Plan Commission and Redevelopment Commission.
“A true leader, Councilman Hardaway ascended to the esteemed position of council president for several years, steering our Town with wisdom and acumen,” he said.
Hardaway also represented Merrillville on the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission for several years, demonstrating his commitment to regional cooperation and progress. He concluded his service there as chairman of the board.
Pettit said Hardaway has devoted countless hours to community service.
“His departure leaves a void that will be felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside of him,” Pettit said.
Hardaway thanked all who supported him throughout his two decades on the council.
“My main goal when I became councilman was to make sure I leave Merrillville a lot better than I found it, and I think I’ve done that,” Hardaway said.
He was among Town leaders who helped develop the Dean and Barbara White Community Center.
Hardaway also played an integral role in bringing the Boys & Girls Clubs to Merrillville.
“It’s been a labor of love,” Hardaway said. “I appreciate it.”
While Hardaway is leaving the Town Council, his daughter, Keesha Hardaway, will soon join the panel as the 7th Ward representative.
“There will always be a Hardaway around that you can call,” he said.
Visit https://merrillvillephotos.smugmug.com/Honoring-elected-officials-2023/ to view pictures from the event.