Great Mayors seem to be a staple in Northwest Indiana. While their politics and decisions get discussed and highlighted each and every day, the lighter side of the mayoral job often gets overlooked. From embarrassing moments to the songs they’re listening and singing along to, we took a moment to ask a few Region mayors some lighthearted questions, hoping to get to know them a little better than before.
Who was your favorite teacher growing up?
Mayor Ron Meer: Michigan City
5th grade, Springfield Elementary School, Mr. Herschel Poteet.
Mayor David Uran: Crown Point
All my teachers that I had in school were great – they all really cared about each student’s well being – if I had to choose one it would be Arden Smith – he was my shop teacher in high school.
Mayor Brian Snedecor: Hobart
My youth leader at church, Lou Worley
Mayor Mark Krentz: La Porte
Mrs. Phillips, 9th grade English teacher. She had a warm, persuasive style that made learning important in her class. Not always fun but important. She was tough but fair and I admired her for that. I stayed in touch with her over the years and was at a gathering of family and friends including Mrs. Phillips and her husband, who was also a favorite teacher. I had graduated college and was sharing with her my ambition to move away from La Porte to make something of myself. She asked why I wanted to move and I recall telling her that it seemed right and many of my friends had done so. For some reason, what she said next resonated with me. She said, “somebody has to stay home.” I did!
Joseph Stahura: Whiting
Sister Eugene Marie or Sister Leonard - tie.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Mayor Ron Meer: Michigan City
The theme song from The Good, the Bad, the Ugly.
Mayor David Uran: Crown Point
Styx – Come Sail Away (I really do like most all of 80’s rock)
Mayor Brian Snedecor: Hobart
Sweet Home Alabama is the last song I sang to.
Mayor Mark Krentz: La Porte
Photographs and Memories by Jim Croce
Joseph Stahura: Whiting
I am stuck in the 70’s and listen to my 70’s playlist constantly – last song this morning was “Take It Easy” by the Eagles.
Tell me about the most rewarding moment(s) you’ve had as a mayor.
Mayor Ron Meer: Michigan City
When a resident comes up to me in a store or restaurant and thanks me for something we have been able to accomplish or improve in their neighborhood or the city. Being able to improve our residents quality of life is the most rewarding moments.
Mayor David Uran: Crown Point
There are so many, but building our Sportsplex has touched a lot of people in a positive way. It has helped provide extra activities for all ages to participate in. It has brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to our city to showcase our community. This has helped with our positive economic growth and increased our property values.
Mayor Brian Snedecor: Hobart
I have to say after we had survived the flood of 2008, how the City came together and came out stronger than ever. The celebration of the recovery of the flood of 2008.
Mayor Mark Krentz: La Porte
My most rewarding moment as Mayor is knowing that I can make a difference! These opportunities come regularly as I listen and participate in the conversations about wants and needs, then put in motion a plan of action to make things happen.
Joseph Stahura: Whiting
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Lakefront Park Renovation Project after 5 years of effort and/or being elected President of IACT, the first person ever from Lake County.
Every mayor in Northwest Indiana has a unique personality and some interesting moments to share! Across the Region, these mayors are taking the time to better their communities and gave us a little insight into themselves outside of the political sphere!
