Adrian Santos was recently elected North Township Trustee at the Democratic Precinct caucus on Saturday, January 30th, 2021. Santos will be taking the lead following the previous North Township Trustee, Congressman Frank Mrvan.
The North Township Trustee provides emergency services and relief to the underserved. North Township includes the residents of East Chicago, Whiting, Hammond, Munster, and Highland. The Trustee oversees programs including NARCAN-use training, the No More Secrets Program, a food delivery program for seniors and people with disabilities, monthly commander roundtable meetings, job application assistance, and a number of other programs and services.
When asked what accomplishments Santos is most proud of in each elected office he has held, he is most proud of the impact he has left on the offices and individuals he has served.
“During my tenure as first district councilman, planning, initiating, and completing the Tod Park Project was one of the biggest accomplishments in my career,” said Santos. “We were able to provide a safe, clean space for the community to gather with features and amenities not previously available.”
When he was the East Chicago city clerk, it became a mission to grow the office electronically, implementing and utilizing new technology to process records and better serve East Chicago residents quickly and efficiently.
During his short time thus far as North Township trustee, Santos has felt most rewarded with helping others find the resources they need.
“Building relationships with those who can provide resources to our residents allows me to feel as though both myself and the North Township Trustee’s Office as a whole, are doing all we can to ensure the prosperity of our residents.”
Since taking office in January, Santos and his staff have been working closely to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining the daily services they provide to the North Township residents.
“I’m excited for the future as I have been meeting with my staff regularly to restart many of the programs and services that were on-hold or adjusted due to COVID-19,” he said. “We are working to create job opportunities and assistance through our job seeking program, coordinating the distribution of food and winter supplies to our residents, and developing new and innovative ways to best serve our residents.”
Santos recently met with military veterans and was humbled by the experience.
“I am here to help and serve our communities and believe the best way to do so is to hear their concerns, continuously learn their ever-changing needs, and then find the best avenue to provide the services they depend on most.”
Santos initially became involved with politics as a young man, assisting others with their campaigns. He felt the need to become directly involved years ago when issues with pollution control industries in East Chicago came to light and he felt the need to do his part in protecting and advocating for the residents of East Chicago.
“I decided that running for office would help me help others,” Santos said. “One of my main goals in life is to be able to help others when and where I can, and the various positions I have held have allowed me to do just that. If I have the ability to better not only my community, but also surrounding communities, it’s my duty to accomplish this.”
Santos has many mentors to thank for getting him where he is as North Township trustee.
“When I think of political mentors, I can think of so many individuals who have helped me become the man I am today,” he said. “I believe that we learn something from most, if not all, people we encounter throughout our lives; to those who have taught me not only political, but also life lessons, I am grateful.”